US to provide advanced air defense systems, combat vehicles to Ukraine
Europe, News, US January 22, 2023 1 Comment on US to provide advanced air defense systems, combat vehicles to UkraineU.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that the United States is providing Ukraine with National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, eight Avenger air-defense systems, and combat vehicles.
Secretary Austin said during the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the United States is providing Ukraine with $2.5 billion worth of equipment and ammunition that would bring the total U.S. contribution to the effort to $26.7 billion since the Russian invasion began Feb. 24, 2022.
The U.S. defense secretary said that “Our new package provides even more air defense capabilities to help Ukraine defend its cities and its skies.” The new package includes new National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and eight Avenger air-defense systems.
Austin further stated that “We’re providing 59 more Bradleys, 90 Strykers, 53 [mine-resistant, ambush protected vehicles], and 350 Humvees.”
In addition to the air defense systems, the United States is sending 20,000 rounds of 155 mm artillery shells and 600 precision-guided 155 mm artillery rounds to Ukraine. The U.S. also plans to transfer 95,000 105mm artillery rounds and about 11,800 120mm mortar rounds, as well as more ammunition for high mobility artillery rocket systems and 12 ammunition support vehicles.
It’s always a pleasure meeting with my 🇺🇦 Ukrainian counterpart & friend, Minister @oleksiireznikov. We’re proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you, our partners & allies to support Ukraine’s self-defense. A collective of nearly 50 nations of goodwill are united behind you. pic.twitter.com/idyjwvJJtB
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) January 20, 2023
U.S. Department of Defense release stated that the latest assistance package for Ukraine would help the country’s need for armor and combat vehicles. The package also restocks Ukraine’s need for artillery and ammunition, the statement added.
During the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, Secretary Austin reaffirmed that “The United States remains determined to lead — and to do our part to help Ukraine defend itself.” Austin highlighted that the unity demonstrated by the 50 countries that have stepped up to aid Ukraine demonstrates the resolve to defend small nations from the aggressions of the large nations, basing that defense on the international rules-based order that has served the globe so well.
Austin added that “We need to keep up our momentum and resolve. We need to dig even deeper. This is a decisive moment for Ukraine — and a decisive decade for the world. So make no mistake: We will support Ukraine’s self-defense for as long as it takes.”
Earlier on January 19, Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said, “The contact group has been instrumental in identifying, synchronizing and ensuring the delivery of military capabilities the Ukrainians need to defend their homeland against Russian aggression”
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