US announces new aid package for Ukraine, including air-launched missiles
Photo: Lloyd Austin, Pentagon chief (Getty Images)
The United States will provide Ukraine with $2.4 billion worth of weapons as part of a new military aid package, according to the Pentagon and the White House press services.
As noted by the Pentagon, the package will provide Ukraine with additional air defense systems, drones, and air-to-ground munitions, while also strengthening Ukraine's defense industrial base and supporting its maintenance and logistical needs.
The weapons will be supplied to Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), meaning they will be purchased from industry rather than drawn from US stockpiles.
The new $2.4 billion package includes:
- Munitions and support for Ukrainian air defense systems
- Air-to-ground munitions
- Drones and components to support domestic drone production in Ukraine
- Counter-drone equipment
- Unmanned surface vessels
- Secure communication equipment
- Equipment and supplies to support Ukraine’s munitions production
- Spare parts, maintenance and support, and other auxiliary equipment.
This is the twenty-first package under the USAI initiative for Ukraine from the United States.
"The United States 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 Department of Defense stated.
Additionally, President Joe Biden issued an order to allocate $5.55 billion in aid to Ukraine from US stockpiles.
During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, American leader Joe Biden announced that the US would repair and provide Ukraine with an additional Patriot air defense battery along with a greater number of Patriot missiles.
Notably, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had mentioned such a package from the US earlier today.
Background
Earlier on September 26, it was reported that the US had approved a military aid package for Ukraine worth $375 million, with weapons coming from American stockpiles.
This package includes Joint Stand-off Weapon (JSOW) bombs, ammunition for HIMARS, and artillery shells.
For more details on the new air bombs for Ukraine, see the material by RBC-Ukraine.
These announcements of new military assistance come amid President Zelenskyy's visit to the United States.
