The US Department of Defense has announced approximately US$1.5 billion in additional security assistance to Ukraine.
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Air defence interceptors, rocket systems and artillery munitions and anti-tank weapons will be supplied to Ukraine as part of the authorisation of a Presidential Drawdown Authority package, announced on 29 July.
The assistance is expected to help meet Ukraine’s critical security and defence needs, as well as fund the sustainment of equipment previously committed by the United States.
Capabilities included under the assistance package include National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems munitions, short and medium-range air defence munitions, RIM-7 missiles for air defence, electronic warfare equipment, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems ammunition, 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds, 120mm mortar rounds, precision aerial munitions, Javelin and AT-4 anti-armour systems and small arms.
The package also includes secure communications systems, commercial satellite imagery services, explosives material and demolitions equipment and munitions, tube-launched optically-tracked wire-guided missiles, spare parts, maintenance and sustainment support, and other ancillary equipment.
Earlier this month, NATO member states met at the 75th anniversary of the NATO summit in Washington.
Following that meeting, it was announced that a NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine initiative will be launched to coordinate equipment, training and force development for Ukraine.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has continued to reaffirm the United States’ unwavering support for Ukraine and has led an international coalition of dozens of allies committed to Ukraine’s immediate and long-term security.
“Make no mistake, Ukraine is not alone,” Austin said during a meeting with Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov at the Pentagon earlier this month.
“The United States will never waver, and our support alongside some 50 allies and partners will continue to provide the critical capabilities that Ukraine needs to push back Russian aggression today and to deter Russian aggression tomorrow.”