US announces new $425 million military aid package for Ukraine

On November 1, the U.S. Department of Defense unveiled a new $425 million military aid package for Ukraine.

This package is provided through the Presidential Drawdown Authorization (PDA), which allows the U.S. to supply Ukraine with weapons directly from its existing Army stockpiles, Caliber.Az reports citing a Pentagon message.

“This aid will grant Ukraine access to essential weapons, including air defence missiles, ammunition for artillery and MLRS, armoured vehicles, and anti-tank weapons,” the Pentagon stated.

The announcement clarified that the package involves transferring weapons already stored in U.S. depots, rather than purchasing new ones. The aid specifically includes additional NASAMS surface-to-air missile system missiles, Stinger portable surface-to-air missiles, ammunition for HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, AT-4 anti-tank grenade launchers, Javelin anti-tank missile systems (ATMS), and missiles for TOW ATMS.

The comprehensive list of items in this aid package includes:

• Air defence systems: Additional NASAMS missiles and Stinger missiles.
• Missile and artillery ammunition: HIMARS ammunition, 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds.
• Anti-tank weapons: Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems, and TOW anti-tank missiles.
• Armoured vehicles: Stryker armoured personnel carriers.
• Drone defence and air-to-ground systems: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (c-UAS) and air-to-ground munitions.
• Additional supplies: Small arms and ammunition, medical supplies, explosive ordnance, spare parts, support equipment, training, and transportation services.

This aid aims to support Ukraine’s air defenses, ground forces, and anti-drone capabilities, alongside a range of equipment to enhance overall battlefield support.

The U.S. Defense Department emphasized that it will continue collaborating with nearly 50 allied nations and partners through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group to address Ukraine’s immediate defence needs and counter Russian aggression.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced this latest aid package on October 31, following an earlier $400 million aid package revealed during his October 21 visit to Kyiv.

It’s worth noting that on October 23, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that the United States would provide Ukraine with up to $20 billion in additional assistance, which will address critical financial needs.

Additionally, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned that the U.S. is preparing a separate $800 million aid package specifically to support the production of Ukrainian drones.

By Tamilla Hasanova