DOD announces $2.1B weapons package for Ukraine

The Pentagon today announced a $2.1B security assistance package for Ukraine, including air defense and munitions capabilities, though the weapons likely won't arrive immediately on the battlefield as they are being funded through a long-term agreement with defense contractors.

The package being provided via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative is slated to provide:

• Additional munitions for Patriot air defense systems;

• HAWK air defense systems and missiles;

• 105mm and 203mm artillery rounds;

• Puma Unmanned Aerial Systems;

• Laser-guided rocket system munitions;

• Support for training, maintenance, and sustainment activities.

Unlike presidential “drawdown” authority that transfers weapons directly from U.S. stocks, USAI equipment can take months or years before it arrives on the battlefield.

“This announcement represents the beginning of a contracting process to provide additional priority capabilities to Ukraine,” the Defense Department said.

The announcement follows reports that Ukraine has begun a counteroffensive to dislodge Russian forces.

Meanwhile, DOD continues to review its past drawdown transfers to account for a valuation error of at least $3 billion.