Ukraine’s air defense capabilities to be strengthened: U.S. approves $108 million package for HAWK air defense systems
22 May 08:55
The U.S. Department of State has issued official approval for the potential sale to Ukraine of specialized equipment for maintaining HAWK surface-to-air missile systems. The estimated value of the defense package is $108.1 million.
This was reported onthe U.S. State Department’s official website, according to [Kommersant]
The deal involves equipment and services intended to support the operation of HAWK systems, which are being used to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
What exactly did the U.S. State Department approve?
The potential package includes:
- prefabricated mast trailers;
- overhaul and maintenance of the systems;
- spare parts, components, and consumables;
- equipment repair and return services;
- engineering and technical support from the U.S. government and contractors;
- logistical support;
- software components;
- related services for the operation of FrankenSAM HAWK systems.
Sierra Nevada Corporation has been designated as the prime contractor for this project.
U.S. Position on Support for Ukraine
The U.S. Department of State stated that the potential sale is consistent with the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States.
“The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing the security of a partner country that is a force for political and economic stability in Europe,” the U.S. statement said.
Washington also emphasized that the deal should improve Ukraine’s ability to counter current and future threats.
Why Ukraine Needs HAWK Equipment
Ukraine faces Russian air attacks on a daily basis—missile strikes, kamikaze drones, aerial weapons, and combined attacks on cities and critical infrastructure.
Therefore, it is not only new air defense systems that are important for Ukraine, but also support for existing systems. Equipment for repair, maintenance, logistics, and modernization allows systems to remain operational longer and be returned to service more quickly after intensive use.
What is HAWK
The MIM-23 HAWK is an American medium-range surface-to-air missile system. It was developed as a more mobile counterpart to the MIM-14 Nike Hercules.
The system entered service with the U.S. Army in 1959. In 1971, HAWK underwent a major modernization program: missiles, radars, and control systems were upgraded. Further improvements continued over the following decades.
Among the modernized versions of the system, the following are distinguished:
- Phase I;
- Phase II;
- Phase III.
HAWK was in service with many countries, including Greece, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and others.
What is FrankenSAM HAWK
The report mentions the FrankenSAM HAWK systems. FrankenSAM is a working title for projects in which Ukraine, together with its partners, adapts various Western missiles or components to existing air defense systems.
Such solutions are important given the shortage of modern air defense systems. They allow for more effective use of available equipment and the combination of various technological elements to strengthen air defense capabilities.
