US approves over $5.7Bln in military sales to Germany, Italy
2 Min Read
These approvals come as the Pentagon expressed caution over providing Ukraine with longer-range weapons, which could escalate the ongoing war with Russia.
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A Patriot missile mobile launcher is displayed outside the Fort Sill Army Post near Lawton, Okla., on March 21, 2023. (AP)
The US State Department has given the green light to two significant military sales to European allies Germany and Italy, totaling over $5.7 billion, as part of ongoing efforts to bolster NATO's defensive capabilities amid growing concerns over the conflict in Ukraine.
On Thursday, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced that it had notified Congress of a potential $5 billion sale of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles to Germany.
The sale includes up to 600 PAC-3 MSE missiles, along with associated support and equipment, aimed at enhancing Germany's air and missile defense systems.
The State department approved a possible sales of 600 PAC-3 MSE, related support/equipment, and other things for Germany. It's estimated to cost $5 Billion pic.twitter.com/XjcjMCLFJ1
— Doha (@Doha104p3) August 15, 2024
In a separate announcement, the DSCA also confirmed the approval of a potential $738 million sale of six MQ-9 Block 5 drones and related equipment to Italy.
This sale package includes the drones and three mobile ground control stations, which will significantly boost Italy's surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
.@StateDept 🇺🇸 authorizes a proposed Foreign Military Sale #FMS to 🇮🇹 #Italy for the purchase of MQ-9 Block 5 Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $738 million. #FMSUpdate – https://t.co/fu4f4lkI5l pic.twitter.com/W0RGkbEGCL
— Political-Military Affairs, US Dept of State (@StateDeptPM) August 15, 2024
These approvals come as the Pentagon expressed caution over providing Ukraine with longer-range weapons, which could escalate the ongoing war with Russia.
"Of course we're worried about escalation, so just because Russia hasn't responded to something doesn't mean that they can't or won't in the future, and that's something that the administration is always weighing," Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said regarding the risk of Ukraine having the capability to conduct deeper strikes on Russian territory.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously warned that Russia's response to the supply of long-range weapons to Ukraine could be "asymmetrical," potentially leading to further destabilization in the region.
Read more: Kiev struggling against Russian air, ground superiority: US DoD agency
