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The Pentagon has dipped into its stockpiles to provide further military support for Ukraine’s resistance to Russian aggression.
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The US Department of Defense (DoD) has announced the authorisation of a 17th presidential drawdown of security assistance to Ukraine.
The package, worth up to US$550 million (AU$783.5 million), includes:
- 75,000 rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition; and
- additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS).
The ammunition supports a swathe of military technology gifted to the embattled nation throughout the year.
The previous drawdown included:
- four additional High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);
- four command post vehicles; and
- additional anti-armour weapons.
The Biden administration has now contributed approximately US$8.8 billion (AU$12.5 billion) in security assistance to Ukraine since it assumed office.
“To meet its evolving battlefield requirements, the United States will continue to work with its allies and partners to provide Ukraine with key capabilities,” a DOD spokesperson 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.
Last 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.
[Related: Ukraine secures armament boost]
