On 24 February, the Pentagon announced a new $2 billion security assistance package for Ukraine. The package includes more ammunition and a variety of small drones.
The package includes HIMARS and artillery ammunition, electronic warfare equipment, surveillance drones CyberLux K8, Altius-600, Jump 20, loitering missiles Switchblade 600, and other equipment.
According to the Pentagon’s statement, capabilities in this security assistance package include the following:
- Additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);
- Additional 155mm artillery rounds;
- Munitions for laser-guided rocket systems;
- CyberLux K8 UAS;
- Switchblade 600 UAS;
- Altius-600 UAS;
- Jump 20 UAS;
- Counter-UAS and electronic warfare detection equipment;
- Mine clearing equipment;
- Secure communications support equipment;
- Funding for training, maintenance, and sustainment.
The announcement comes on the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, days after US President Joe Biden’s surprise visit to Kyiv, where he announced the upcoming aid package.
Biden in Kyiv: Putin thought he could outlast us but he was dead wrong (updated)
“Difficult times may lie ahead, but let us remain clear-eyed about what is at stake in Ukraine. And let us remain united in purpose and in action—and steadfast in our commitment to ensure that a world of rules and rights is not replaced by one of tyranny and turmoil,” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement.
