Defense Express reported the information.In a significant move reflecting changing U.S. policy on military support, Ukraine has received approval to service American-made air defense systems on its own territory, working alongside Sierra Nevada Corporation—the U.S. defense contractor currently developing the next-generation Doomsday Plane for the Pentagon. This comes as part of two new authorizations from the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which together allow for up to $330 million in contracts for the maintenance and repair of air defense systems and M109 self-propelled artillery.The most notable contract, valued at up to $180 million, covers the purchase of equipment, maintenance, and training for existing U.S.-supplied air defense systems in Ukraine. For the first time, Ukrainian companies will participate directly in these services, localizing much of the work and reducing reliance on foreign contractors. Sierra Nevada Corporation, though not a traditional air defense manufacturer, was selected for its expertise in complex defense projects, including the U.S. Air Force’s new airborne command post.Meanwhile, a separate $150 million contract will allow Ukraine to order maintenance and repairs for its fleet of M109 artillery systems, with work to be carried out by BAE Systems and other major U.S. defense firms in Europe. The contracts do not specify which air defense systems are included, but Ukraine currently operates a range of American platforms, from Stinger MANPADS and Vampire systems to Patriot batteries, as well as hybrid systems like the FrankenSAM.This shift from direct arms aid to paid service agreements follows Washington’s recent decision to sell, rather than donate, military equipment and support to Ukraine. The new approach also opens the door for Ukraine to order additional repairs and spare parts for its U.S.-supplied weaponry, ensuring continued operational readiness as the war continues.This week, the first of the promised additional Patriot air defense systems and interceptor missiles from Germany arrived in Ukraine.