Pentagon to punish arms giants after Ukraine waited 18 months for ammunition

The size of the fine is still under discussion, but a Pentagon inspector has recommended imposing a $1.1 million penalty on the companies. According to audit data, some of the ammunition was delivered to Ukraine with delays of up to 18 months.

Failure to fulfill five out of seven contracts

Contracts with Northrop Grumman and Global Military Products were signed in January 2022. They provided for the supply of various types of ammunition and combat systems over five years.

The Pentagon inspector general’s audit covered seven contracts with a total value of $1.9 billion. According to the report, under five of those contracts, the US Army did not receive ammunition intended for Ukraine.

In addition, ammunition worth another $907 million has still not been delivered. It is noted that part of this order may be canceled, while the rest could be completed later.

US officials said they intend to hold contractors accountable, closely monitor contract performance, and impose sanctions for violations. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has announced reforms to the defense procurement system and a tougher response to delays in critical deliveries.

Last year, the United States and NATO launched the PURL program, which allows US weapons to be supplied to Ukraine with financial support from European countries. More than 20 countries have already joined the initiative.

This year, Ukraine needs $15 billion worth of US weapons supplied under the PURL initiative. In particular, the country requires air defense systems, especially Patriot and NASAMS.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that without US support, the Ukrainian Armed Forces would be unable to protect the country’s airspace. He stressed that Russia uses hundreds of drones and missiles, while air defense systems remain in short supply.