News Brief
Ukraine To Get Additional Patriot Missiles Under New $6 Billion US Aid Package: All About It
US President Biden with his Ukrainian counterpart Zelenskyy. (Picture via Kyiv Independent)
In a significant move to bolster Ukraine's defenses amid escalating tensions with Russia, the United States has announced a comprehensive aid package for Kyiv worth $6 billion.
This announcement, made by Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday (26 April), includes the provision of additional Patriot missiles for Ukraine's air defence systems.
The missiles are earmarked to replenish previously supplied Patriot air defense systems and form part of a larger package.
This package also encompasses an allocation of more munitions for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and supplementary equipment for integrating Western air defense launchers, missiles, and radars into Ukraine's existing arsenal, much of which dates back to the Soviet era.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasised the urgent need for Patriot systems during discussions at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.
This group, consisting of around 50 countries and meeting virtually under Pentagon leadership, deliberated on strategic defence measures.
Zelenskyy stressed that at least seven Patriot systems are necessary to safeguard Ukrainian cities, citing their potential to save lives amidst ongoing tensions.
During a press conference at the Pentagon after the meeting, Defence Secretary Austin underlined ongoing efforts to collaborate with allies in securing additional Patriot systems.
However, he cautioned against viewing Patriot missiles as the sole solution, highlighting the need for a diverse range of defence systems and interceptors.
The $6 billion aid package, funded through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), represents the largest tranche of assistance to date, news agency AP reported.
It encompasses a broad array of weaponry, including High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), Switchblade and Puma drones, counter-drone systems, and artillery.
These developments follow the White House's approval of a $1 billion weapons delivery to Ukraine earlier this week, comprising air defence munitions, artillery rounds, armoured vehicles, and other critical equipment.
This weapons aid, sourced from Pentagon reserves, is expected to reach Ukraine promptly.
The $61 billion infusion in funding for Ukraine, approved by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden, facilitated these comprehensive aid packages.
The aid aims to provide Ukraine with the necessary resources to counter Russian advances and bolster its defence capabilities.
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