United States to Provide $1.3 Billion Worth of Military Aid to Ukraine in Response to Russian Conflict
WASHINGTON, July 18 (Reuters) – In a bid to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, the United States is set to announce a new pledge to purchase $1.3 billion worth of military aid, according to two U.S. officials. This previously unreported weapons package includes air defenses, counter-drone systems, exploding drones, and ammunition.
The funds for this initiative will be drawn from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), allowing President Joe Biden’s administration to procure weapons from industry rather than depleting U.S. weapons stocks. By leveraging these funds, the United States aims to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities in the face of Russian aggression.
Among the systems and ammunition planned for purchase are counter-air defenses known as the Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment (VAMPIRE), manufactured by L3Harris Technologies (LHX.N), and two different types of loitering munitions – the Phoenix Ghost drone produced by AVEVEX, a private company in California, and the Switchblade, made by AeroVironment Inc (AVAV.O).
Furthermore, Ukraine will receive a significant number of counter-drone systems from Australia’s DroneShield Ltd (DRO.AX), in addition to radars, sensors, and analysis systems, according to a person familiar with the matter.
The Department of Defense is expected to make the official announcement regarding this security assistance to Ukraine soon. This comes alongside a virtual meeting on Tuesday of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a gathering of allies assisting Kyiv as Ukraine presses its counteroffensive against Russian invasion forces.
It is important to note that the delivery of these weapons and systems is contingent on their availability and production timeline, and the contents and value of the package may be subject to change leading up to the announcement.
The Pentagon has already provided over $10.8 billion in security assistance for Ukraine under the USAI program in fiscal 2023, in seven separate tranches. This new package would mark the eighth installment of aid. In the fiscal year that ended on September 30, 2022, Washington deployed $6.3 billion of USAI funds to support Ukraine’s defense.
This show of support from the United States reinforces its commitment to upholding regional security and safeguarding the sovereignty of Ukraine. The international community will be closely monitoring the developments surrounding this significant military aid package.
Reporting by Mike Stone in Washington
Editing by Don Durfee and Angus MacSwan
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