Login
iscover
HIMARS and armoured vehicles are among a new tranche of military equipment to be delivered to Ukraine.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
The US Department of Defense (DOD) has announced US$1.1 billion ($1.7 billion) in additional military support via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).
The multi-year investment aims to provide long-term support to Ukraine, which continues to resist Russian aggression following the invasion in late February.
The deal includes:
- 18 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and associated ammunition;
- 150 Armoured High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs);
- 150 Tactical Vehicles to tow weapons;
- 40 trucks and 80 trailers to transport heavy equipment;
- Two radars for Unmanned Aerial Systems;
- 20 multi-mission radars;
- Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems;
- Tactical secure communications systems, surveillance systems, and optics;
- Explosive ordnance disposal equipment;
- Body armour and other field equipment;
- Funding for training, maintenance, and sustainment.
The US is now set to engage with the local defence industry as part of a contracting process.
This latest package takes the United States’ total contribution to US$16.9 billion ($25 billion) since January 2021.
“Through both [Presidential Drawdowns] and USAI, DOD continues to work with Ukraine to meet both its immediate and longer-term security assistance needs,” a DOD spokesperson said.
“Together with our allies and partners, our unified efforts will help Ukraine continue to be successful today while building the enduring strength of Ukraine’s forces to ensure the continued freedom and independence of the Ukrainian people.”
Australia is also considering providing further support to Ukraine.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, recently confirmed talks with his counterpart, Minister for Defence of Ukraine, Oleksii Reznikov, regarding the potential for additional military aid.
Deputy PM Marles said Australia is considering requests for additional armoured vehicles and strike capability to ensure Ukrainian forces are equipped to resist Russian aggressors in what is expected to be a “protracted conflict”.
This follows a request from Ukrainian ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, for the delivery of 30 Thales-built, Hawkei protected mobility vehicles and Howitzers to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Described as a “win-win” arrangement, he said the deal would enable the Australian Army to test the newly built vehicles in a live warzone before official deployment.
Myroshnychenko has also requested a further 30 Bushmasters for Ukraine, building on the 60 Bushmasters and 28 M113 armoured personnel carriers already committed.
Thus far, the value of Australia’s military assistance to Ukraine totals approximately $388 million.
[Related: Australia considering arms boost for Ukraine ]
