According to a statement by the US Department of Defense, the new security assistance package includes "critical air defense capabilities and munitions" to help Ukraine "defend its territory and deter Russian aggression over the mid and long term."
Specifically, Washington will provide Kyiv with four National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and munitions; 152mm artillery rounds; mine clearing equipment; Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles; and Phoenix Ghost and Switchblade Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), the statement said.
The package also contains precision aerial munitions; counter-UAS and electronic warfare detection equipment; 150 fuel trucks; 115 tactical vehicles to tow and haul equipment; 50 tactical vehicles to recover equipment; port and harbor security equipment; tactical secure communications systems; and support for training, maintenance, and sustainment activities, according to the Pentagon.
Ukrainian leader Volodomyr Zelensky thanked US President Joe Biden for the new defence aid package.
"NASAMS anti-aircraft missile systems with ammunition, artillery shells, mine clearance equipment, and other much-needed assistance will save Ukrainian lives and bring our common victory closer," Zelensky said in a tweet.
"We appreciate the unflagging support from the friendly American people," he added.
The United States has committed around USD 42.6 billion in security aid to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February last year, according to officials.
"The United States will continue to work with its Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements," the Pentagon said in its statement.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, launching the largest military campaign in Europe since World War II.
Wednesday is day 511 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
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Source: PAP, AP, defense.gov, ukrinform.net