By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has recently unveiled plans to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities amidst escalating tensions. This move marks the 57th instance since August 2021 when the Biden Administration allocated equipment from DoD inventories to aid Ukraine.
The package, authorized under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), is valued at an estimated $400 million. It comprises a range of capabilities tailored to address Ukraine’s immediate battlefield necessities, including air defense, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons.
This new package aims to address Ukraine’s pressing defense needs, particularly in air defense, artillery ammunition, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weaponry.
The specifics of this assistance package include:
- Patriot air defense systems: The package includes additional munitions to enhance the effectiveness of these systems.
- National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS): Additional munitions for these systems are also part of the package.
- Stinger anti-aircraft missiles
- Integration equipment: The package provides equipment to integrate Western launchers, missiles, and radars with Ukraine’s existing systems.
- High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS): Additional HIMARS and ammunition are included to enhance artillery capabilities.
- Artillery rounds
- Armored vehicles
- Heavy equipment transport
- Anti-tank weapons: Tube-launched, optically-tracked, wire-guided (TOW) missiles, and Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems are part of the package.
- Aerial munitions
- Anti-radiation missiles
- Small arms and ammunition
- Demolition equipment
- Patrol boats
- Ancillary equipment: Spare parts, training munitions, maintenance equipment, and other ancillary equipment are part of the package.
The M113 armored personnel carrier, a key component of the Armed Forces, is part of this package. The International MaxxPro MRAP, a staple of the Ukrainian military, is also included in the aid package.
Notably, the package includes components for integrating launchers, missiles, and radars with Ukraine’s air defense systems, a project known as FrankenSAM.
Under the FrankenSAM project, the U.S. has previously assisted Ukraine in acquiring two anti-aircraft missile systems capable of utilizing Western missiles.
On April 26, it was reported that the Biden administration had announced a $6 billion military aid package to Ukraine. This previous package was provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) program, which involves the U.S. purchasing weapons from American industries or partners.
The current package includes various missile weaponry, including short-range AIM-9M aerial missiles, RIM-7 missiles, and Stinger MANPADS. It also includes anti-tank rocket launchers such as the portable TOW, Javelin, and AT-4 grenade launchers.
Additionally, the package includes a significant amount of ammunition for 105- and 155-mm caliber artillery systems and small arms. This comprehensive aid package underscores the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in these challenging times.
The United States, in collaboration with approximately 50 Allies and partners, remains committed to ensuring that Ukraine’s valiant defenders are equipped with the critical capabilities necessary to counter Russian aggression. This assistance underscores the international community’s resolve to stand with Ukraine during these challenging times.
