The US unveiled a fresh $1.2 billion military aid package for Ukraine, including increased air defenses and artillery ammunition.
The US will offer support via the Ukraine Security Support Initiative, which means it will acquire weapons from partners or defense contractors to be delivered to Ukraine over the next few months or years, rather than pulling weapons straight from Pentagon stores.
What was Included in US Military Aid?
The following items will be included in the package:
- Additional air defense systems and ammunition;
- Equipment for integrating Western air defense launchers, missiles, and radars with Ukraine’s air defense systems.
- Anti-UAV ammunition;
- 155mm artillery rounds;
- Commercial satellite imagery services;
- Assistance with training, maintenance, and sustainment activities.
As explained in the U.S. Department of Defense, it is specifically about Ukraine’s support, including strengthening its air defense and meeting artillery ammunition needs. This package, worth up to USD 1.2 billion, is provided by the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAID).
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Readying for Much-anticipated Spring Offensive
In the last week, hundreds of Russian missiles and drones have targeted Kyiv and other vital cities in Ukraine.
Ukraine is preparing for a highly anticipated spring attack against invading Russian soldiers, but the latest US help will not be available immediately because it must still be obtained from the defense sector or US partners.
Procuring from industry avoids depleting the US military’s own stores, but it also means that assistance will take longer to reach Kyiv than equipment pulled straight from current US military inventories.
During the current fiscal year (October 1, last year to September 30), the US Department of Defense has offered $5 billion in security aid to Kyiv through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, delivered in four installments.
The previous fiscal year saw $6.3 billion in funds allocated by the US towards this initiative.
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