US approves arms sale to Lithuania
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Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced an arms deal between the US and Lithuania for almost $125 million and US Blinken announced solidarity with Lithuania.
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The US approves the sale of Javelin missiles to Lithuania.
The United States approved a possible $125 million sale of 230 Javelin missiles to Lithuania, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said on Tuesday.
"The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Lithuania of Javelin Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $125 million," the agency said in a press release.
According to the Pentagon, the overall package of Javelin anti-tank missiles will contain 341 FGM-148F variants, 30 command launch units, spares, and technical support.
The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the possible sale on Tuesday.
The Pentagon said that the proposed sale "will help Lithuania build its long-term defense capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in order to meet its national defense requirements."
Despite the State Department's permission, the letter does not imply that a contract has been signed or that discussions have been concluded.
Blinken: We stand in solidarity with Lithuania
Secretary Blinken and Prime Minister Simonyte emphasized the importance of our strong defense and economic ties for the Transatlantic region and the world's security and development.
The Secretary reaffirmed the United States' unwavering support for Lithuania, a NATO ally and EU partner facing geopolitical challenges to regional peace, security, and economic success.
Secretary Blinken stressed the United States' support for Lithuania in the face of these moves, as well as the United States' resolve to engage with like-minded countries to counter the PRC's coercive diplomatic and economic activities.
US approves $1.32 billion sale of aircraft launch system to France
In the same vein, the Biden administration approved a $1.32 billion sale to France of an electromagnetic launching and landing system for carriers at sea, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
"The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the government of France of Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG), and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.321 billion," the DSCA said in a press release on Tuesday.
The release disclosed that the DSCA delivered the appropriate certification informing Congress of the probable sale on Tuesday.
"The government of France has requested to buy one Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), two launcher configuration and one Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG), three engine configuration," the release added.
