USA approves $322 million sale of air defense, infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine

The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of two packages of military equipment to Ukraine, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) website reported on Wednesday.

The first package is for the sale of HAWK Phase III air defense missile systems and related support and equipment worth approximately $172 million.

"This proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats by further equipping it to conduct self-defense and regional security missions with a more robust air defense capability. Ukraine will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces," the DSCA press release said.

The second package, according to the DSCA, includes a shipment of Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and maintenance, repair and related equipment worth nearly $150 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has provided the necessary certification, which has been reported to the US Congress.

"The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region," the DSCA release said.