Ukraine secures Starlink satellite communications services under a US$150 million foreign military sale approved by the US State Department.
The US Congress was notified of the possible foreign military sale by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 29 August this year.
The potential US$150 million sale includes an extension of satellite communications services for Ukraine’s Starlink terminals, as well as US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” according to statement made by the DSCA.
“The proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s ability to meet current and future threats by further equipping it to conduct self-defence and regional security missions with a more robust defence capability. Ukraine will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
“The principal contractor for this effort will be Starlink Services, located in Hawthorne, CA. At this time, the US government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.
“Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional US government or contractor representatives to Ukraine. There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”