The United States government has authorized the potential sale of a new support package for the M777 lightweight howitzers currently operated by the artillery units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This transaction, to be executed through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, involves an estimated investment of approximately $104 million. The announcement was made by the U.S. Department of State to Congress yesterday, through the usual public notification process.
The package that Ukraine seeks to acquire includes equipment, repair services, and long-term maintenance support from the United States to ensure the continued operation of the M777 howitzers. This support will include technical assistance, training for local personnel, platform-related publications and manuals, as well as the necessary logistics for the transfer of these items.
In its official statement, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) indicated that “this proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.” The agency further added that “the proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats by better equipping it to carry out self-defense and regional security missions with a more robust local sustainment capability. Ukraine will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”
The main contractor for this operation will be BAE Systems, specifically through its Barrow-in-Furness facility in the United Kingdom. As is standard in these cases, it was clarified that no offset agreements are expected, nor will additional U.S. government or contractor representatives be deployed to Ukrainian territory.
It is also worth noting that this sale is part of a broader series of authorizations issued by the U.S. Department of State aimed at supporting Ukraine’s military capabilities. These authorizations have focused primarily on logistical support packages for the maintenance of previously delivered platforms. The series includes: a $150 million package for M2A2 Bradley IFVs, $172 million for MIM-23 Hawk air defense systems, $150 million for M109 self-propelled howitzers, and $180 million for various air defense systems integrated into Ukraine’s defense network.
Images used for illustrative purposes only.
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