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The US is rolling out a $988 million arms package for Ukraine, featuring HIMARS rockets and drones, as the Biden administration doubles down on aiding Kyiv’s resistance against Russia. The announcement aligns with the Reagan National Defense Forum in California.
US Plans $988M Weapon Package for Ukraine Amid Escalating Conflict
According to a document seen by Reuters, the United States is preparing to provide $988 million worth of new weapons and equipment to Ukraine as part of its response to Russia's incursion.
This cuts the remaining $2.21 billion from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative by roughly half, as the Biden administration strives to shift its focus from drawing from U.S. weapons supplies to purchasing weapons from industry.
According to the document reviewed by Reuters, the monies from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative will be used to purchase drones and ammo for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
At the annual Reagan National Defense Forum, which takes place in California, the announcement of the package was anticipated to take place on Saturday, when policymakers and members of the defense industry would be meeting.
HIMARS and Drones Take Center Stage in New Military Aid
In times of national emergency, the Biden administration has frequently invoked President Joe Biden's Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allows him to divert surplus goods and services from U.S. inventories without seeking approval from Congress.
The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funding is distinct and will be used to acquire new weaponry from the industry.
Per Investing.com, with the monies permitted in 2024 and those found by the Pentagon after overestimating the worth of armaments transferred to Ukraine, the Biden administration still has around $6 billion of presidential drawdown authority provided by Congress.
US Military Aid to Ukraine Surpasses $62 Billion
U.S. security aid to Ukraine has exceeded $62 billion since Russia's invasion in February 2022.
