No Donation, U.S. Approves $30 Million HIMARS Artillery System Sale to Ukraine

The United States has agreed to sell M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to Ukraine, with procurement costs being shouldered by Germany, aimed at bolstering the country's airspace defenses against Russian missiles.

On May 10, the U.S. State Department approved a possible emergency Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine of HIMARS and related logistics and program support, estimated at $30 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of this potential sale. This funding will be provided by the Government of Germany on behalf of Ukraine, according to a DSCA release.

On the same day, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced plans to jointly supply Ukraine with three M142 HIMARS units. "Working alongside the Americans, we will procure three HIMARS launchers for Ukraine," stated German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius during discussions with reporters in Washington, D.C., following a meeting with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday. "These launchers will be sourced from the U.S. Armed Forces and funded by us," the minister confirmed.

The U.S. Secretary of State has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists requiring the immediate sale of the above defense articles and services to the Government of Ukraine in the national security interests of the United States, thereby waiving the congressional review requirements under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and respond to continued Russian aggression.

The sale will involve items from the U.S. Army inventory.