US to sell 150 Javelin Missiles Sets to Ukraine

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine for 150 Javelin missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $39.2 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale Thursday.

The Government of Ukraine has requested to buy 150 Javelin missiles and 10 Javelin Command Launch Units (CLUs) made by Raytheon Company. Also included are training devices, transportation, support equipment, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government, engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support tools and test equipment. The total estimated cost is not to exceed $39.2 million.

The Javelin system will help Ukraine build its long-term defense capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in order to meet its national defense requirements. Ukraine will have no difficulty absorbing this system into its armed forces.

Editor’s comment: Ukraine has been engaged in a conflict with Russia over the latter’s annexation of Crimea and has moved closer to Washington and NATO over the years. It is seeking advanced western weapons despite it having a robust defence manufacturing capability.

The Javelin missiles are shoulder-fired intended to take down tanks, armored vehicles and low flying aircraft. The US has previously supplied Ukraine with counter-aritillery radars and sniper rifles.