What is in the $1 Billion US Aid Package to Ukraine?
Following the political wrangling that saw chronic delays to the passing of the bill which provides $60.8 billion in aid to Ukraine, the Department of Defense has broadly outlined the arms, equipment and ammunition to be sent in the first aid package.
Approximately one-third of the $61 billion appropriation will address deficiencies in US weapon and equipment stockpiles. The House of Congress passed the bill on 20 April with the Senate passing it on 24 April. President Biden described the aid as “not only an investment in Ukraine’s security but in Europe’s security and our own security.”
The Department of Defense’s release noted that “this package will surge munitions, weapons, and equipment forward to support Ukraine’s ability to defend its frontlines, protect its cities, and counter Russia’s continued attacks.” and that it was only possible through the “bipartisan support of Congress”.
The $1 billion aid package includes RIM-7 and AIM-9M missiles adapted for ground launch as part of Ukraine’s air defense network. This is bolstered by very short range Stinger MANPADS for close air defense. In terms of munitions; rockets for HIMARS, TOW and Javelin anti-tank guided missiles, and both 105mm and 155mm artillery rounds are being provided. The Department of Defense’s release also notes the transfer of “precision aerial munitions” likely referring to guided aerials bombs.
A range of vehicles will also be transferred including Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs), High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and logistics support vehicles.
Other assorted items include equipment to support airfields, anti-tank mines, Claymore anti-personnel mines, night vision equipment and crucial spare parts for equipment already transferred.
Below is the full list of capabilities in the announcement:
- RIM-7 and AIM-9M missiles for air defense;
- Stinger anti-aircraft missiles;
- Small arms and additional rounds of small arms ammunition, including .50 caliber rounds to counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS);
- Additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);
- 155mm artillery rounds, including High Explosive and Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions rounds;
- 105mm artillery rounds;
- 60mm mortar rounds;
- Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles;
- Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs);
- High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs);
- Logistics support vehicles;
- Tactical vehicles to tow and haul equipment;
- Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles;
- Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems;
- Precision aerial munitions;
- Airfield support equipment;
- Anti-armor mines;
- Claymore anti-personnel munitions;
- Demolitions munitions for obstacle clearing; and
- Night vision devices; and
- Spare parts, field equipment, training munitions, maintenance, and other ancillary equipment.
Additionally, in the last 24 hours U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed that in February, President Biden directed his team to provide Ukraine with a significant number of MGM-140 ATACMS missiles “for use inside Ukraine’s sovereign territory.” These missiles are confirmed to have now reached Ukraine.