Biden administration announces new aid package for Ukraine: Missiles for HIMARS, drones, and equipment
US President Joe Biden (photo: Getty Images)
The administration of US President Joe Biden announced today, December 7, a new package of defense aid for Ukraine. The aid, valued at $988 million, will be provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), reports the White House.
“Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced a significant new security assistance package to ensure Ukraine has the tools it needs to prevail in its fight against Russian aggression,” the office of the US President stated.
The package is said to provide Ukraine with ammunition for missile and unmanned aerial systems.
“This package also includes support for maintenance and repair programs to help Ukraine reconstitute its forces and build and sustain combat power,” the White House added.
The package includes:
- ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);
- unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS);
- equipment, components, and spare parts to maintain, repair, and overhaul artillery systems, tanks, and armored vehicles.
The White House noted that this marks the 22nd USAI package provided by the Biden administration.
“The US will continue to work together with some 50 Allies and partners through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its associated capability coalitions to provide the support Ukraine needs to win the war,” the Biden administration added.
US defense aid for Ukraine
On November 15, the Pentagon also noted that it would send weekly shipments of weapons to Ukraine. This effort aims to ensure that the remaining assistance pledged by Washington is delivered on time.
Previously, US Department of Defense spokesperson Patrick Ryder stated that following Congress's approval of $60 billion in aid for Ukraine in April 2024, the US had already delivered 83% of the promised ammunition and 67% of the air defense systems.
At the time, the Pentagon clarified that the Department of Defense had $7.1 billion available under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), which allows for the transfer of equipment directly from Pentagon stockpiles. Ryder explained that an additional $2.2 billion remained accessible through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).
