US announces $2.1 billion air defense aid package for Ukraine

On June 9, the US announced a $2.1 billion aid package for Ukraine, including air defense systems and critical ammunition, to strengthen Kiev's air defense capabilities in the long term.

German Patriot air defense missile system in Kahramanmaras, southern Türkiye. Photo (illustrative): AFP/TTXVN

According to the US Department of Defense , the aid package includes ammunition for the Patriot and Raytheon HAWK air defense systems, 105mm and 203mm artillery shells, AeroVironment Puma unmanned aircraft, ammunition for laser-guided rocket systems, and training and maintenance support services.

The U.S. Department of Defense said the assistance is provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). The assistance is expected to be disbursed over the coming months and years to meet Ukraine’s future security needs.

The United States has spent tens of billions of dollars in arms aid on Ukraine since February 2022. It has provided Kiev with some of the most advanced weapons, including Abrams tanks and Patriot air defense systems. The USAI funds allow the Biden administration to buy weapons from industry, rather than drawing from U.S. arsenals. Instead of providing Ukraine with the weapons it currently needs, the USAI packages will create a medium- and long-term supply for Ukraine.

According to Tin Tuc Newspaper

Source