The United States has announced an additional $6 billion aid package for Ukraine, including Patriot missiles to bolster its air defense systems and other military equipment. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revealed the move on Friday, stating that the missiles would replenish previously supplied Patriot air defense systems. The package also includes increased munitions for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and gear to integrate Western air defense launchers, missiles, and radars into Ukraine’s existing weaponry, much of which dates back to the Soviet era. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had emphasized the urgent need for Patriot systems earlier in the day at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a coalition of approximately 50 countries gathering virtually in a Pentagon-led meeting. The meeting coincided with the group’s second anniversary, and Austin commended its members for their unwavering support, sourcing millions of rounds of ammunition, rocket systems, armored vehicles, and even jets to aid Ukraine in repelling Russia’s invasion. Zelenskyy reiterated the need for at least seven Patriot systems to protect Ukrainian cities, as the lack of air defense systems continues to pose a significant threat to Ukraine’s civilians and critical infrastructure. Austin stressed that while the US is dedicated to supporting Ukraine, Patriot is not the only type of system the country needs. He urged against overreliance on Patriot and highlighted the necessity of providing Ukraine with a comprehensive array of air defense systems and interceptors to effectively counter Russian attacks. The $6 billion aid package is the largest tranche of Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) aid to date. It also includes High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), Switchblade and Puma drones, counter drone systems, and artillery. The USAI funding allows for longer-term contracts with the defense industry, which may result in a lead time of months or years for the weapons to arrive in Ukraine. The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which has been meeting monthly for the past two years, serves as the primary platform for weapons contributions to Ukraine. Friday’s meeting followed the White House’s earlier decision to approve the delivery of $1 billion in weapons and equipment to Ukraine, including a variety of ammunition, armored vehicles, and other weapons. However, this aid is expected to reach Ukraine more quickly as it will be drawn from existing Pentagon stockpiles, including warehouses in Europe. These substantial back-to-back packages stem from the $61 billion in funding for Ukraine recently passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden. The funding is intended to provide Ukraine with the weapons it desperately needs to counter Russian advances in the ongoing war. The US has provided Ukraine with over $44 billion worth of weapons, maintenance, training, and spare parts since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. However, Ukraine has reportedly sidelined Abrams M1A1 battle tanks due to Russian drone warfare, which has increased detection and attack risks for the tanks.
US to Provide Additional Patriot Missiles and $6 Billion Aid Package to Ukraine
