The United States has approved a new $104 million Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine for the long-term sustainment of M777 howitzers, with BAE Systems’ facility in Barrow-in-Furness, England, named as the principal contractor.
According to the 5 August notification from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the package includes equipment, repair services, and technical assistance to maintain Ukraine’s M777 fleet. The support will cover training, documentation, and other logistical services to ensure continued operational effectiveness.
The M777 is a towed 155mm howitzer developed by BAE Systems. The platform has played a prominent role in Ukraine’s defence since being transferred by the U.S. and allied nations in previous military aid packages.
The DSCA said the proposed sale “will improve Ukraine’s ability to meet current and future threats” by building up local sustainment capacity. No U.S. personnel will be deployed to support the contract, and there are no current offset arrangements, though these could be agreed later between BAE and Ukrainian partners.
This marks the latest in a series of U.S.-approved sustainment deals focused on ensuring Ukraine can keep key equipment operational over the long term. BAE Systems’ Barrow site, better known for submarine construction, is now playing a role in supporting Ukraine’s land warfare capabilities through artillery sustainment.
The deal is framed as reinforcing Ukraine’s ability to conduct regional security missions and does not alter the regional military balance, according to the DSCA.
“The deal is framed as reinforcing Ukraine’s ability to conduct regional security missions and does not alter the regional balance”.
Ermm, but surely the aim should be to Alter the regional balance in the favour of Ukraine ?
What am I missing ?
(go gentle I’m a self confessed halfwit)
The phrasing — which you’ll now notice appears in nearly every U.S. foreign military sales agreement — is designed to meet legal and diplomatic requirements. Describing the deal as “reinforcing Ukraine’s ability to conduct regional security missions and not altering the regional military balance” frames it as defensive, making it easier to secure approval under U.S. law, even if its real effect is to strengthen Ukraine’s position.
#Slowday