US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Friday a $6 billion long-term military aid package for Ukraine — the largest to date — which will allow the US to purchase new equipment produced by the American defense industry for the Ukrainian military.
During a press conference, Austin highlighted that this aid package is the most substantial security assistance commitment made by the US so far. The package includes critical interceptors for Ukraine’s patriot and NASAMS air defense systems, additional counter-drone systems, support equipment, significant amounts of artillery ammunition, air-to-ground munitions, and maintenance and sustainment support.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of a recent $1 billion aid package aimed at swiftly providing equipment to Ukraine from US stocks to bolster its defense against Russia.
Unlike drawdown packages that involve directly pulling military equipment from US stocks, the aid announced on Friday falls under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). The USAI operates by contracting with the defense industry to procure the necessary equipment for Ukraine.
The primary objective of the USAI is to ensure a continuous and long-term supply of weapons and equipment to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities against external threats.
