The US announced a new $1.3 billion military aid package for Ukraine with crucial NASAMS air defense systems, other equipment and ammunition.
The new aid package will be provided as part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). Unlike Presidential Drawdown authority, which allows to deliver equipment to Ukraine from stocks, according to USAI the United States procures capabilities from industry or partners to then send to Ukraine.
The announcement of the aid package represents the beginning of a contracting process, which means it will take more time before the actual delivery happens.
The capabilities in this $1.3 billion package include:
- Four National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and munitions;
- 152mm artillery rounds;
- Mine clearing equipment;
- Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles;
- Phoenix Ghost and Switchblade Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS);
- Precision aerial munitions;
- Counter-UAS and electronic warfare detection equipment;
- 150 fuel trucks;
- 115 tactical vehicles to tow and haul equipment;
- 50 tactical vehicles to recover equipment;
- Port and harbor security equipment;
- Tactical secure communications systems;
- Support for training, maintenance, and sustainment activities.
