US approves sale of 16 Mark VI boats and related equipment worth $600 million to Ukraine

“The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Ukraine of up to sixteen (16) Mark VI Patrol Boats and related equipment for an estimated cost of $600 million,” the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on Wednesday.

As noted, the Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

“The Government of Ukraine has requested to buy up to sixteen (16) Mark VI Patrol Boats; thirty-two (32) MSI Seahawk A2 gun systems; twenty (20) Electro-Optics-Infrared Radar (FLIR) (16 installed and 4 spares); sixteen (16) Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) 5km loudspeaker systems; sixteen (16) Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems; forty (40) MK44 cannons (32 installed and 8 spares); communication equipment; support equipment; spare and repair parts; tools and test equipment; technical data and publications; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics support,” the statement reads.

It is underscored that this proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals 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.

“The proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing a modern, fast, short-range vessel.  Ukraine will utilize the vessels to better defend its territorial waters and protect other maritime interests.  Ukraine will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency emphasizes.

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