State Department approves potential sale of $2.6 billion in air defense equipment to Ukraine

September 19, 2026 / 6:12 AM EDT / CBS/AFP

The State Department approved a potential $2.68 billion sale of air defense equipment to Ukraine on Friday.

In a congressional notification, the State Department said that it made "a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Ukraine" for buying air defense development upgrades and related equipment and services.

According to the statement, the Ukrainian government requested to buy S-300 Clone missiles, GAM-67 missiles, Range-Extended Air Defense Laser Guided Rocket missile systems, as well as various launchers, counter-drone radars, trailers and spare parts.

"If the proposed purchase is concluded, Ukraine would finance it using a combination of European contributions and U.S. Foreign Military Financing appropriated during the prior Administration," the State Department said. The proposed sale is subject to congressional review.

Ukraine's capital Kyiv has seen a surge in Russian attacks, which its air defences have struggled to repel due to ammunition shortages.

President Trump said this month he would ask Europeans to repay the American aid provided to Ukraine under the administration of his predecessor Joe Biden.

Mr. Trump has long demanded that Europeans shoulder more of the cost of Western support for Ukraine.

On Friday, the…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/