Washington approves potential $2.7 billion air defence sale to Ukraine

The US State Department approved a potential $2.7 billion military sale to Ukraine aimed at strengthening and upgrading the country's air defences, the department said in a congressional notification late on Friday.

The proposed package includes missiles, counter-drone radars, extended-range laser-guided air defence systems and modifications to mobile launchers.

If the purchase goes ahead, it would be financed through a combination of European contributions and US Foreign Military Financing funds allocated during former President Joe Biden's administration.

The State Department said the US funding would count as a capital contribution to the US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, established as part of a minerals agreement between the two countries.

The proposed sale remains subject to congressional review.

It comes as Ukraine continues to strengthen its air defences against Russian missile and drone attacks.

Earlier on Friday, US President Donald Trump signed new sanctions legislation targeting Russia.