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Advanced rocket systems, anti-armour weapons, and UAS platforms are part of a new US military aid package to Ukraine.
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The US Department of Defense has announced a new US$270 million (AU$391 million) military support package for Ukraine — up to US$175 million (AU$253 million) via the 16th presidential drawdown since August 2021 and US$95 million (AU$137 million) via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) fund.
Equipment funded by the drawdown include:
- four additional High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and additional ammunition for HIMARS;
- four command post vehicles;
- 36,000 rounds of 105mm ammunition; and
- additional anti-armour weapons, spare parts, and other equipment.
Meanwhile, funding proposed via the USAI is expected to support the provision of up to 580 Phoenix Ghost Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems.
As part of the USAI, a contracting process has commenced to provide additional capabilities to Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
This latest package takes the value of the United States’ total military contribution to Ukraine to US$8.2 billion (AU$11.8 billion).
“The United States continues to work with its allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its evolving battlefield requirements,” acting Pentagon press secretary Todd Breasseale said.
The US is among a host of nations, including Australia, to provide tangible military support to Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion in late February.
Earlier this month, the Commonwealth government committed $99.5 million in additional military assistance to Ukraine, including the delivery of 14 M113 armoured personnel carriers and 20 Thales-built Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles.
These were in addition to the vehicles pledged by former prime minister Scott Morrison ahead of the federal election — taking Australia’s total contribution of military vehicles since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine to 88 (60 Bushmasters and 28 M113 APCs).
The package also included other unspecified military equipment supplied by Australia’s defence industry, and a financial contribution to NATO’s Ukraine Comprehensive Assistance Package Trust Fund.
The value of Australia’s military assistance to Ukraine now totals approximately $388 million.
