On 8 January, White House officials met with leaders from the US technology and defense industry sectors, focusing on reinforcing the Biden administration’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.
The five-hour meeting centered on providing Ukraine with access to advanced US equipment, such as unmanned aerial systems, demining gear, and other battlefield technologies, to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion, according to senior administration officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to brief reporters on the discussions, Reuters and Bloomberg reported.
US National Security Council’s key members met with about a dozen industry executives from Fortem Aerospace, drone maker Skydio, defense tech companies like Palantir Technologies Inc and Anduril Industries Inc, and venture capital firms.
“The conversation focused on a number of systems, including, unmanned aerial systems, how to counter incoming unmanned aerial systems, and then also addressing the demining challenge,” an official told reporters during a phone call after the meeting.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan convened this meeting, and it occurred amidst US President Joe Biden’s proposed supplemental aid package of over $100 billion, which includes support for Ukraine but is currently pending in Congress.
As per Bloomberg, officials stated that discussions with defense companies are meant to complement, not replace, the vital supplemental funding needed from Congress, focusing on understanding the new capabilities these companies are developing.
As outlined by officials, the objective was to prepare the US defense industrial base to meet not only Kyiv’s immediate requirements in its war with Russia but also to be equipped for any future conflicts or critical situations that may arise.
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