U.S. announces $700 million military aid package for Ukraine
U.S. President Joe Biden has confirmed that his administration is sending more advanced rocket systems and munitions to Ukraine.
The Biden administration will send the new systems as part of a new $700 million military aid package for Ukraine. Biden said the more advanced rocket systems and munitions will enable Ukraine “to more precisely strike key targets on the battlefield in Ukraine.”
Ukraine will be receiving four M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (or HIMARS), the Defense Department said. The M142 HIMARS system allows for the launching of multiple, precision-guided rockets. Along with the HIMARS system, the department is also including the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System to be used with HIMARS.
HIMARS are advanced, lightweight rocket launcher that is wheel mounted, giving it more agility and maneuverability on the battlefield. Each unit can carry six GPS guided rockets, which can be reloaded within minutes.
“We will continue providing Ukraine with advanced weaponry, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, Stinger antiaircraft missiles, powerful artillery and precision rocket systems, radars, unmanned aerial vehicles, Mi-17 helicopters and ammunition,” Biden said in an essay published in the New York Times.
The United States has now committed approximately $5.3 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden administration.
The $700 million additional security package for Ukraine include:
- High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and ammunition
- Five counter-artillery radars
- Two air surveillance radars
- 1,000 Javelins and 50 Command Launch Units
- 6,000 anti-armor weapons
- 15,000 155mm artillery rounds
- Four Mi-17 helicopters
- 15 tactical vehicles
- Spare parts and equipment.
