US to send air defense systems, missiles to Ukraine under new military package
Europe, News, US June 13, 2023 1 Comment on US to send air defense systems, missiles to Ukraine under new military packageUnited States Department of Defense announced an additional security assistance package for Ukraine to counter Russian forces. The latest package includes HAWK air defense systems, missiles, and munitions for Patriot systems.
According to the Pentagon statement, “The latest package, valued at up to $2.1 billion, underscores the unwavering U.S. commitment to bolster Ukraine’s near- and long-term capabilities to defend its territory and deter Russia.”
The statement highlighted that “The capabilities contained in the package include additional munitions for Patriot air defense systems, HAWK air defense systems, and missiles, additional artillery rounds and other items.”
U.S.-made HAWK air defense system is a mobile medium-range surface-to-air missile. Ukraine received its first HAWK systems from Spain in December 2022. Since then, the U.S. has provided its refurbished missiles to Kyiv.
Last month, the U.S. offered Ukraine its HIMARS launchers, artillery rounds, and anti-armor capabilities. In early May, Ukraine’s air force claimed to have downed a Russian hypersonic missile over Kyiv using the U.S.-made Patriot defense systems. Patriot is one of the most advanced air defense weapons and the U.S. plans to send additional air defense systems and munitions to Ukraine.
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said during a press briefing, “It’s very clear that on a daily basis, there are Russian forces attempting to kill innocent Ukrainians. And we — the United States government — are going to work with the international community to do everything we can to help them defend their country and take back sovereign territory.”
The DoD statement highlighted that in order to meet Ukraine’s immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements, the U.S. is working with its Allies and partners to provide the country with military capabilities.
The Pentagon press secretary added that U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark Milley will host a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on June 15 in Brussels. During the meeting, the U.S. would lead the alliance of more than 50 nations to provide support to Ukraine against Russia.
In total, the United States has provided about $40 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The Department of Defense release highlighted that the latest package includes:
- Additional munitions for Patriot air defense systems;
- HAWK air defense systems and missiles;
- 105mm and 203mm artillery rounds;
- Puma Unmanned Aerial Systems;
- Laser-guided rocket system munitions;
- Support for training, maintenance, and sustainment activities.
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[…] Pentagon statement highlighted that last week, the U.S. announced a $2 billion military assistance package for Ukraine. The package contains critical capabilities, including Patriot munitions, HAWK air defense systems, […]