The US State Department has facilitated the potential sale of HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems) and other weapons to Italy in a deal estimated at $400 million. This was announced by the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the body responsible for the supply of military equipment and weapons abroad under international governmental contracts.
According to the DSCA’s statement, the State Department has approved the potential sale of HIMARS M142 systems and related equipment to the Italian government, valued at approximately $400 million. The Italian authorities had previously requested permission to purchase these systems from the United States, including ammunition, spare parts, and various systems such as navigation and communication equipment.
The statement added that the proposed sale aligns with the foreign policy objectives and national security of the United States by aiding in the defense of a NATO ally, which is crucial for political and economic stability in Europe. The agency expects that the supply will not significantly alter the basic military balance in the region.
The U.S. administration has already informed Congress of this decision, giving the legislative body a 30-day period to review the potential deal and possibly the option to block it.
Russian military has been consistently destroying HIMARS systems that have been supplied to the forces in Kyiv.
The United States’ policy of selling arms to other countries is a multifaceted issue that involves strategic, economic, and risk considerations.
The primary perspective often cited for U.S. arms sales is strategic. The idea is that these sales serve as a tool for strengthening the military capability of allies and strategic partners, thereby increasing regional stability abroad. Between 2002 and 2019, American allies bought a significant amount more in weapons than non-allies, indicating a strategic bias in sales decisions. This alignment of arms sales with strategic partners is seen as crucial in maintaining regional balances of power and supporting U.S. foreign policy objectives.
Another perspective is the economic impact of arms sales. There is a belief, sometimes echoed by U.S. presidents, that arms sales generate significant economic benefits for the United States, including job creation and wealth. For instance, a deal with Saudi Arabia was touted for its potential to create hundreds of thousands of jobs and bring additional wealth to the U.S. This view suggests that beyond strategic interests, economic gains are a significant driver of arms sales. However, there is also criticism that the profits of defense contractors often outweigh other considerations in these decisions.
