Pentagon announces new $2.5 billion aid package for Ukraine

The United States has allocated a new large-scale defense assistance package to Ukraine, which includes Avenger air defense systems, hundreds of armored vehicles, missiles for NASAMS systems, other weapons and ammunition.

This is stated in a statement by the US Department of Defense, released on Friday night, Ukrinform reports.

"This package, which is estimated at $2.5 billion, is the 30th withdrawal of weapons from the US Department of Defense warehouses for Ukraine since August 2021. It includes hundreds of armored vehicles, critical support for Ukraine's air defense, and other important equipment," the statement said.

In particular, the United States is transferring eight Avenger air defense systems to Ukraine; missiles for NASAMS air defense systems; 59 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, as well as 590 TOW anti-tank missiles and 295 thousand rounds of 25 mm ammunition. In addition, the list of aid includes 90 Stryker armored personnel carriers; 53 mine and ambush-protected MRAP vehicles; 350 HMMWV transporters.

The package also includes missiles for HIMARS, HARMs missiles, 20 thousand 155 mm shells, 600 high-precision shells of the same caliber, 95 thousand 105 mm shells, and about 12 thousand 120 mm mines. The list also includes dozens of vehicles, 2,000 anti-tank missiles, more than 3 million rounds of ammunition for small arms, as well as other equipment and machinery.

"The Kremlin's recent air attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure have once again demonstrated the devastating impact of Russia's brutal war in Ukraine," the Pentagon stated.

In this regard, it is emphasized that additional NASAMS missiles and Avenger air defense systems should help Ukraine counter such air threats and strengthen its echeloned air defense. In addition, it is pointed out that the BMPs and APCs transferred to Ukraine can be used to form two brigades of armored vehicles.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 20/01/2023