The Biden administration has announced a comprehensive security assistance package to aid Ukraine in its defense against Russia's aggression. The package, comprising critical equipment and ammunition, demonstrates the United States' support for Ukraine's security efforts.
"Our latest security assistance package will provide key capabilities for Ukraine's brave defenders as they fight back against Russia's unprovoked war of aggression," Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a recent Twitter post.
In a July 7 news release, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced the Biden administration's unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine's security and defense needs. The declaration signifies the 42nd provision of equipment from DoD inventories to Ukraine since August 2021, underscoring the continuous backing of Ukraine's security efforts.
The newly authorized assistance package comprises a diverse range of equipment that will significantly bolster Ukraine's defensive capabilities, the release said. Of particular importance is the provision of additional artillery systems and ammunition, which will play a vital role in countering Russia's ongoing aggression. Before finalizing the package, the Biden administration engaged in extensive consultations with Congress as well as the nation's allies and partners.
Further outlined in the release are the key components of the security assistance package: extra munitions for Patriot air defense systems, AIM-7 missiles for air defense, Stinger anti-aircraft systems and ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), the release said. Additionally, Ukraine will benefit from 31 155mm Howitzers, 155mm artillery rounds, including highly effective and reliable dual-purpose improved conventional munitions (DPICM); and 105mm artillery rounds.
To further bolster Ukraine's ground capabilities, the package also includes 32 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and 32 Stryker Armored Personnel Carriers, the release said. Ukraine will also receive mine-clearing equipment; tube-launched, optically-tracked, wire-guided (TOW) missiles; Javelin anti-armor systems and rockets; precision aerial munitions; Penguin Unmanned Aerial Systems; tactical vehicles for equipment recovery and towing; demolitions munitions and systems for obstacle clearing; as well as small arms and more than 28 million rounds of small-arms ammunition and grenades. Spare parts and other field equipment are also part of the comprehensive assistance, the release said.
