US to provide Ukraine with an additional $400 million, including 45 T-72B tanks

Europe, News, US November 7, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

United States Department of Defense announced an additional $400 million in security assistance for Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), including 45 refurbished T-72B tanks.

The announcement of the latest defense package represents the beginning of a contracting process to provide additional priority capabilities to Ukraine, the Pentagon statement read.

U.S. Department of Defense Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said during a press conference on November 4 that overhauled T-72B tanks are included in the latest USAI package and it is part of a trilateral, coordinated effort with the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.

According to the Pentagon statement, the trilateral project is a direct outcome of cooperation that was forged during the six meetings of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, the Copenhagen Ukraine Donors Conference held in August, and the National Armaments Directors meeting held in September.

U.S. Deputy Press Secretary Singh added that “The United States remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s near-term needs on the battlefield, and its long-term requirements to deter and defend against future Russian aggression.”

The Department of Defense statement also highlighted that “Together with our Allies and partners, our efforts will help Ukraine continue to be successful today while building the enduring strength of Ukraine’s forces to ensure the continued freedom and independence of the Ukrainian people.”

The latest U.S. package to Ukraine includes:

45 refurbished T-72B tanks with advanced optics, communications, and armor packages;
Funding to refurbish HAWK air defense missiles for inclusion in future presidential drawdown packages;
1,100 Phoenix Ghost tactical unmanned aerial systems;
40 armored riverine boats;
Funding to refurbish 250 M-1117 armored security vehicles;
Tactical secure communications systems and surveillance systems; and
Funding for training, maintenance, and sustainment.

*^{A T-72B1 Tank of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Donbas on December 2020. (Image Credit: Ukrainian Joint Forces Operation)}*

According to the U.S. Department of Defense release, the latest “USAI package underscores the continued U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine by meeting their most urgent needs.” The U.S. defense support to Ukraine also helps the Ukrainian Armed Forces to build the overall military capacity to defend its sovereignty over the long term.

In September the U.S. vowed to provide Ukraine with additional security assistance and the most advanced weapons and ammunition. The U.S. defense aid to Ukraine included 18 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, 150 Armored High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles, 150 Tactical Vehicles to tow weapons, 40 trucks and 80 trailers to transport heavy equipment, 20 multi-mission radars, Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems, tactical secure communications systems and surveillance systems, explosive ordnance disposal equipment, as well as body armor and other field equipment.

So far, the U.S. has committed more than $18.2 billion since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24. The United States has announced more than than $18.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since U.S. President Joe Biden took office, and since 2014, the United States has committed more than $21 billion in security aid to Ukraine.