The U.S. has approved a brand new $1.2 billion weapons aid package for Ukraine, to incorporate additional air defense systems and munitions in addition to more 155mm artillery rounds
The most recent package includes equipment to be procured from industry using Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds, reasonably than drawn directly from existing Pentagon stockpiles.
“With regards to providing nearer term support, you’ve seen us use the [presidential drawdown authority] to attract down on existing capabilities and rush those capabilities to Ukraine. So with regards to things like air defense, for instance, you’ve seen us provide Patriots, NASAMS, we’ve provided HAWKs. Our allies and partners have provided things like SAM-T, Avengers, counter-UAS,” Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary told reporters on Tuesday. “So we’re not waiting to supply Ukraine with air defense capabilities now. The USAI gives us the flexibility to leverage the ability and the capabilities of the private sector as a way to support Ukraine’s medium and long run security assistance needs.”
Ryder also confirmed Tuesday that Ukraine successfully used the Raytheon Technologies [RTX]-built Patriot air defense system to take out a Russian Kinzhal missile, which has been described as having ability to operate at hypersonic speeds.
“By way of those sorts of operational details, I’d refer you to the Ukrainians,” Ryder said. “The U.S. Patriot system is in Ukraine. But when it comes to which specific battery they employed, whether it was U.S.-provided, Dutch-provided, I’d refer you to the Ukrainians.”
The brand new USAI package also includes “equipment to integrate Western air defense launchers, missiles and radars with Ukraine’s air defense systems,” in line with the Pentagon, in addition to ammunition for counter-drone systems and industrial satellite imagery services.
Ryder was asked if the Pentagon had any details on specific corporations it has chosen to supply systems or munitions to satisfy the capabilities included in the brand new USAI deal.
“That’s something that we’ll be exploring and when now we have something to announce, we are going to,” Ryder said.
Tuesday’s announcement follows a recent $300 million weapons aid package with more munitions for HIMARS launchers and artillery rounds approved last week, which arrives as Kyiv prepares for an expected counteroffensive operation against Russia (Defense Every day, May 3).