The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has approved a potential export of MIM-23 HAWK air defense systems to Ukraine. The permit paves the way for signing the contract and stipulates the highest estimated quantity and dollar value of weapon systems, so the numbers in the final agreement technically may be lower, though it is usually not the case.
That clarified, the determination allows for the sale of a Hawk Phase III unit (mentioned in singular) with related equipment for $172 million total. This should be the first time that Ukraine has purchased a surface-to-air missile system from the U.S., although the equipment is certainly not new.
Read more: Ukrainian Serviceman Tells About MIM-23 Hawk's Work Against Enemy Shahed Drones
With that in mind, the deal also includes a wordy description of works and services related to ensuring the combat capability of similar systems already in service with Ukrainian forces, as well as the missiles they use. After all, any MIM-23 HAWK system the United States is selling is drawn from the retired reserve and therefore requires repair and restoration. A similar procedure applies to the missiles themselves, which also need to be checked and repaired before use.
Notably, this work will be carried out by the Sielman Corporation, Greece, which is listed as the first contractor, while RTX (Raytheon) — the original developer and manufacturer of MIM-23 — comes in second. Greece is a long-standing operator of Hawks, so it has the necessary industrial basis for its maintenance.
Previously, in late April 2024, Sielman Corporation had already been awarded a long-term contract (number W31P4Q-24-D-0004) for the repair of MIM-23 HAWK for Ukraine for $49.9 million, with a deadline by 2029.
That contract followed and was apparently connected with the fact the U.S. had just agreed to sell Ukraine services of overhaul, restoration, and sustainment support of Hawks earlier that same month, for an estimated $138 million. However, Sielman's involvement wasn't mentioned directly by DSCA; it was by Raytheon. In addition, both previous and the new permits also include the PROJECTXYZ company — based on its profile, it must be involved in logistics.
Next, according to the established Foreign Military Sales procedure, comes a firm contract between the governments of the United States and Ukraine. Then, Washington takes care of agreements with defense contractors on behalf of Ukraine. Accordingly, more details will appear in the future, once the Greek Sielman and American contractors conclude their contracts with the state, ordinarily made public instantly.
Defense Express reminds that the MIM-23 HAWK Phase III is an interceptor system capable of engaging non-ballistic threats at ranges up to 45–50 km, at altitudes up to 20 km. The missile operates on semi-active radar guidance.
Ukraine has received a few of these systems as aid donations since 2022 from Spain and the U.S. Although not publicly announced, the number of these air defense systems in operation is considered fairly significant. In the United States, meanwhile, Hawk was decommissioned in the 1990s, though the country still continues to support more than 10 other nations that still use it.
Read more: Which Ukrainian Air Defense Systems Hinge on U.S. Missiles and Which Are Self-Sufficient
