US commits $1.1bn in long-term assistance for Ukraine

18 HIMARS systems and 150 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles are part of the package.

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has confirmed additional security assistance worth $1.1bn to cater to Ukraine’s defence requirements in the mid and long term.

The aid package under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) has commenced a contracting process to procure capabilities from the defence industry.

In a statement, the DoD said: “It [the USAI package] represents a multi-year investment in critical capabilities to build the enduring strength of Ukraine’s Armed Forces as it continues to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and territory in the face of Russian aggression.”

The capabilities in the latest aid package include 18 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and related ammunition, 150 armoured High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs), 150 tactical vehicles, and trucks and trailers to move heavy equipment.

Two radars for uncrewed aerial systems, communications systems, surveillance systems, optics, body armour, and field equipment are also part of the assistance.

A portion of the funding is also committed to training and maintenance, as well as sustainment purposes.

According to a senior DoD official, the US will also deliver 20 multi-mission radars that can track airborne threats, including mortar and artillery fire.

The official added: “This is a really sizeable investment and it’s intended so that down the road, Ukraine will have what it needs for the long-haul to deter future threats.

“It in no way rules out us continuing to invest in their current force with capabilities that are available today, and that we can draw down today from US stocks.”

Since the onset of the Russian invasion, the US has set aside nearly $16.2bn to arm Ukrainians with key capabilities.