According to a statement by the US Department of Defense, the new security assistance package includes 45 refurbished T-72B tanks, 1,100 Phoenix Ghost tactical unmanned aerial systems, 40 armored Riverine boats, and funding to refurbish 250 M1117 armored security vehicles.
Washington will also provide Kyiv with and "tactical secure communications systems and surveillance systems" and "funding for training, maintenance, and sustainment," the Pentagon said.
"The overhauled T-72B tanks included in this package are part of a trilateral, coordinated effort with the Netherlands and Czech Republic," the Pentagon's statement said.
"Alongside the United States, the Netherlands will provide 45 additional T-72B Tanks with the support of the Czech Ministry of Defense and in cooperation with Czech industry," it added.
The United States has now committed more than USD 18.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s invasion on February 24, according to officials.
"Together with our Allies and partners, our efforts will help Ukraine continue to be successful today while building the enduring strength of Ukraine’s forces to ensure the continued freedom and independence of the Ukrainian people," the Pentagon said in its statement.
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky thanked US President Joe Biden and the American people for the new military assistance package, in particular "for armored vehicles that will help us liberate Ukrainian land."
"We appreciate this continued support," Zelensky said in a tweet.
(gs)
Source: PAP, defense.gov
