US unveils nearly $1 billion arms package to boost Ukraine's defence

Since February 2022, US has committed over $62 billion to Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing invasion

SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA:

The United States announced a $988 million aid package on Saturday to supply Ukraine with new arms and equipment for its defence against Russia's ongoing invasion.

The package significantly reduces the $2.21 billion remaining in the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), as the Biden administration shifts towards purchasing weapons directly from industry rather than drawing from US military stockpiles.

According to the Pentagon, the funds will be allocated to procure ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) produced by Lockheed Martin, as well as drones and spare parts for maintaining artillery equipment.

The announcement coincided with the Reagan National Defence Forum in California, which brought together defence industry leaders and policymakers.

Unlike the Presidential Drawdown Authority, often used by President Joe Biden to transfer surplus US military resources during emergencies without requiring congressional approval, the USAI funds are designated for acquiring new weapons directly from manufacturers.

The administration still has approximately $6 billion in congressionally authorised drawdown funds, including allocations for 2024 and additional funds identified after the Pentagon revised previous estimates of the value of arms already shipped to Ukraine.

Since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022, the United States has provided over $62 billion in security assistance to Ukraine.