U.S. Approves $138M Sale of HAWK Missile System Support to Ukraine

The U.S. State Department has approved a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Ukraine for HAWK Phase III Missile System Sustainment and related logistics and program support, with an estimated cost of $138 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of this possible sale.

The Government of Ukraine has requested sustainment-related articles and services for the HAWK Phase III missile system, including engineering and integration for communications and interoperability, refurbishment and system overhaul of HAWK air defense fire units, missile recertification components, tool kits, test equipment, support equipment, technical documentation, spare parts, training, U.S. Government and contractor technical and field office support, and other logistics and program support elements.

“Ukraine has an urgent need to increase its capabilities to defend against Russian missile strikes and the aerial capabilities of Russian forces. Maintaining and sustaining the HAWK missile system will enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend its people and protect critical national infrastructure,” U.S. DoD said in an official release.

The principal contractors for this sale will be RTX Corporation, located in Andover, MA, and PROJECTXYZ, located in Huntsville, AL.

The State Department said the parts needed to repair the systems will come from U.S. Army stock, third-country donations, commercial off-the-shelf components and new production.

The MIM-23 Hawk is an effective air defense system capable of engaging various aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and attack drones, with an average hit rate of around 85 percent. This third-generation system was adopted in 1989.

In July 2023, it was reported that the U.S. was buying decommissioned MIM-23 Hawk Phase III aircraft from Taiwan for Ukraine. However, Taiwan did not confirm the information at the time.

On October 23, 2023, the Ukrainian Air Force Command released a video showing the MIM-23 Hawk air defense system in combat operations against Russian targets, approximately a year after the system was transferred to Ukraine by the United States and other allies.

In 2022, Spain pledged to transfer six American-made MIM-23 Hawk air defense systems to Ukraine. Additionally, in early October 2023, the Spanish government announced plans to deliver six more M-192 launchers for MIM-23 Hawk air defense systems to Ukraine.

The MIM-23 Hawk missile system features digitalization that enhances overall efficiency, reducing missile launch times and allowing rapid target switching. Each launcher can engage only one target at a time using a 74-kilogram warhead, ensuring effective destruction of airborne threats.

The MIM-23 missile reaches speeds of 2.4 Mach (approximately 800 m/s), which is sufficient to counter cruise missiles and aircraft. The system has a range of about 50 kilometers and can engage targets at altitudes of up to 20 kilometers.

Throughout its existence, the MIM-23 Hawk system has seen substantial production, with the United States having manufactured approximately 40,000 missiles for these systems.