US Department of Defense Announces $6B Historic Security Assistance Package for Ukraine
Today marks a significant milestone as the two-year anniversary of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, spearheaded by Secretary Austin, is commemorated. In a bold move, the Department of Defense (DoD) unveiled a groundbreaking security assistance package aimed at bolstering Ukraine's battlefield capabilities while reaffirming steadfast U.S. support for the nation.
This historic initiative, facilitated through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and funded by the recently enacted national security supplemental, underscores the United States' commitment to Ukraine's defense.
In contrast to the Presidential Drawdown Authority utilized by DoD to swiftly provide equipment from its stocks to Ukraine, the USAI empowers the United States to procure essential capabilities either domestically or through allied partnerships. This announcement signals the initiation of a contracting process to secure critical assets for Ukraine, further enhancing its defensive capabilities.
The comprehensive USAI package, totaling up to $6 billion, encompasses a wide array of essential equipment and munitions tailored to address Ukraine's immediate and long-term defense needs.
Among the notable inclusions are:
- Additional munitions for Patriot air defense systems
- Supplemental munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS)
- Integration equipment for Western air defense systems
- Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) equipment
- Precision-guided munitions for rocket systems
- State-of-the-art radar systems for multiple missions
- Counter-artillery radar systems
- Ammunition support for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS)
- Various artillery rounds
- Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) such as Switchblade and Puma
- Tactical vehicles for weapon and equipment transport
- Demolition munitions
- Components to facilitate Ukrainian production of UAS and other assets
- Small arms and ammunition
- Ancillary support for training, maintenance, and sustainment activities
This monumental assistance package underscores the unwavering commitment of the United States to meet Ukraine's critical defense requirements in the face of Russian aggression. It also reflects the cohesive efforts of the global coalition, comprising approximately 50 Allies and partners, united in their support for Ukraine's sovereignty and security.
Source: White House, Department Of Defense, April 26, 2024
