US Defence Secretary, Lloyd Austin, has announced that the United States will be supplying Ukraine with supplementary Patriot missiles for their air defence frameworks in a $6 billion (£5.6 billion) aid package increment. These projectiles will replenish the previously provided air defence equipment.
The package also comprises an upgraded assortment of ammunition for the NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems) and additional apparatus to incorporate western defence launchers, missiles, and radars into Ukraine’s existing armoury; though much of the latter is still Soviet-era gear.
Earlier on Friday, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated the urgency for Patriot missiles during a virtual assembly of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. This coalition, comprising about 50 nations, is celebrating its second anniversary. According to Austin, it has tirelessly sourced vast amounts of ammunition, rocket systems, armoured vehicles, and even jets since April 2022, aiding Ukraine against Russia’s assault.
During the assembly, Mr Zelenskiy said at least seven Patriot systems are required to safeguard Ukrainian cities. “We urgently require Patriot systems and projectiles for the same. This could save lives,” he added.
Nevertheless, during a press conference at the Pentagon later, Austin stated that the United States continues to cooperate with allied nations to acquire more Patriot systems. He didn’t assure the provision of more US systems. However, he pointed out that Ukraine needs other systems and interceptors alongside Patriots. He also warned against viewing Patriots as the ultimate solution.
He urged partner nations to withstand a fraction more risk while deciding what armaments to deliver to Ukraine. Several countries showed hesitation to provide Patriot air defence systems as most have a limited stock and think they need it for their defence.
The aid package will be financed through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). As this requires contracts with the defence sector, it may take years until the weapons are delivered. The substantial investment, the most significant amount of USAI aid dispatched yet, includes the HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System), Switchblade and Puma drones, counter-drone systems, and artillery.
For a period of two years, the Ukraine Defence Contact Group has been routinely convening, serving as the central platform for discussions about weapons aid provided to Kyiv for the conflict. This week, after the US government granted approval for a $1 billion delivery of warfare items and materials to Ukraine, a meeting was arranged. The consignment encompasses a diverse range of armaments including in-demand artillery rounds, air defence ammunition, and armoured vehicles among others.
The military aid is sourced directly from Pentagon’s stock, including European warehouses, ensuring swift delivery to Ukraine. The Chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff, General CQ Brown, indicated that the $1 billion military aid package will yield significant advantages, averting the need for Ukrainian forces to conserve their resources knowing more provision is forthcoming.
This additional support emerges as a consequence of recently approved funding for Ukraine, a substantial $60 billion (€56 billion), authorised by US Congress and endorsed by President Joe Biden. The decision was prompted by reports from top-ranking US officials on the critical conditions on Ukraine’s battlefield, where armies struggle with dwindling ammunition amid Russian advancements.
Ever since the February 2022 Russian invasion, the US has supplied over $44 billion in weaponry, spare parts, maintenance and training to Ukraine, including Abrams M1A1 battle tanks. However, due to the challenge posed by Russia’s drone warfare, making it difficult for them to remain undetected or evade assault, Ukrainian forces have put these tanks on hold, claimed by two US military officials.