2023-07-20 19:48:00
The US will provide more air defense systems and attack drones in a $1.3 billion aid package to Ukraine, according to the Pentagon
The United States has pledged to provide Ukraine with more air defense systems and attack drones in a $1.3 billion aid package announced Wednesday, according to the Defense Department.
The package includes another four National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), which are medium-range air defense batteries that have already helped Ukraine withstand ongoing Russian barrages from missiles and drones. It is the same system that is used to protect Washington and the surroundings of the capital of the country.
The latest commitment will give Ukraine a total of 12 NASAMS from the United States. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated last November that the NASAMS had a 100% success rate in intercepting Russian attacks.
The latest package falls under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), which is part of the United States’ long-term commitment to provide aid to Ukraine. Unlike reduction packages, which are pulled directly from DoD stocks and can be shipped relatively quickly, USAI packages are contracted with industry, a process that can take months or more.
On Tuesday, following an international meeting of countries providing aid to Ukraine, Austin declared: “Make no mistake: We are determined to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom for as long as it takes.”
The pack also includes Phoenix Ghost and Switchblade attack drones, as well as anti-drone equipment.
The sizeable aid package to Ukraine comes amid the ongoing Ukrainian counter-offensive, which has faced stiff Russian resistance and widespread minefields, which have slowed its advance.
The United States is also expected to announce a separate aid package of regarding $400 million that will include more ammunition for NASAMS, according to two US officials, as well as ammunition for Patriot missile defense systems and HIMARS rocket launchers.
The package will also contain more artillery ammunition, which officials have warned is in short supply, especially with the prospect of a protracted Ukrainian counteroffensive depleting current stockpiles.
In addition, the package includes anti-tank and anti-armor weapons such as javelins and TOW missiles, the officials said.
Officials warned that the package has not yet been finalized and might still change. According to one of the officials, it might be announced this week.
In particular, the package is not expected to include more of the controversial cluster munitions, the officials said, which the US first provided in the earlier reduction package announced earlier this month.
The Biden administration decided to supply cluster munitions, officially known as dual-use enhanced cluster munitions, in part to meet the Ukrainian need for more artillery munitions as the US and other countries ramp up their munitions production.
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