WASHINGTON. April 10 (Interfax) - The U.S. Department of State has approved the potential urgent selling of hardware for maintenance of HAWK missile systems worth of $138 million to Ukraine.
"Maintaining and sustaining the HAWK Weapon System will enhance Ukraine's ability to defend its people and protect critical national infrastructure," the department said in a press release.
The funds will be spent on the design and integration of communication systems, a system upgrade, kits of tools and testing equipment, spares, training and other assistance to be provided by the United States.
Funding HAWK systems meets the U.S. interests, which is why the Department of State declined the Congress' demand to revisit the deal under the Arms Export Control Act.
The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified the Congress about the possible deal on Tuesday.