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The strike weapons have been included in yet another military support package from the United States.
The US Department of Defense (DoD) has announced the authorisation of a US$675 million (AU$994 million) presidential drawdown of security assistance for Ukraine — the 20th drawdown since August 2021.
Capabilities to be delivered as part of this latest package include:
- additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);
- four 105mm Howitzers and 36,000 105mm artillery rounds;
- additional High-speed Anti-radiation missiles (HARM);
- 100 armoured high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV);
- five million rounds of small arms ammunition;
- more than 5,000 anti-armour systems;
- 1,000 155mm rounds of Remote Anti-Armor Mine (RAAM) Systems;
- additional grenade launchers and small arms;
- 50 armoured medical treatment vehicles;
- night vision devices and other field equipment.
Additionally, the State Department has requested US$2 billion (AU$2.9 billion) be available for long-term investments in foreign military financing — $1 billion for Ukraine and $1 billion for 17 of “Ukraine’s regional neighbours”.
This takes the total value of the United States’ commitment since the Biden administration assumed office to approximately US$15.2 billion (AU$22.4 billion).
“To meet Ukraine’s evolving battlefield requirements, the United States will continue to work with its allies and partners to provide Ukraine with key capabilities,” a Pentagon spokesperson said.
The US is among a host of nations, including Australia, to have come to Ukraine’s aid since Russia launched its invasion in February.
Thus far, the value of Australia’s military assistance to Ukraine totals approximately $388 million, including the delivery of 60 Bushmasters and 28 M113 armoured personnel carriers.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, has called for further support, advocating for the delivery of 30 Thales-built Hawkei protected mobility vehicles 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 with the Australian Army.
Myroshnychenko has also request a further 30 Bushmasters for Ukraine.
[Related: Ukraine ambassador pitches Hawkei delivery]
