US announces additional $1.1 billion security assistance, more HIMARS for Ukraine

Europe, News, US September 29, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. Department of Defense announced $1.1 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine, including 18 most advanced High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and ammunitions.

According to the Department of Defense statement, the latest military aid would be provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). The “USAI package underscores the U.S. commitment to continuing to support Ukraine over the long term. It represents a multi-year investment in critical capabilities to build the enduring strength of Ukraine’s Armed Forces as it continues to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and territory in the face of Russian aggression,” the release added.

The latest USAI package includes 18 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and associated ammunition. The United States will purchase those systems from the manufacturer to provide them to Ukraine, rather than pull them directly from U.S. military inventory, as has been done previously with the 16 HIMARS sent to Ukraine under presidential drawdown authority.

However, according to a senior U.S. defense official, it may take a while for the latest HIMARS to arrive in Ukraine. “The procurement and delivery of these HIMARS systems and associated ammunition will take a few years,” the official said.

“We’ve all seen how Ukraine has leveraged this system to push back against Russia’s war of aggression, disrupting ammunition depots, supply lines, and logistical hubs far behind the frontlines,” the official added.

The latest $1.1 billion security package includes:

18 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and associated ammunition;
150 Armored High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs);
150 Tactical Vehicles to tow weapons;
40 trucks and 80 trailers to transport heavy equipment;
Two radars for Unmanned Aerial Systems;
20 multi-mission radars;
Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems;
Tactical secure communications systems, surveillance systems, and optics;
Explosive ordnance disposal equipment;
Body armor and other field equipment;
Funding for training, maintenance, and sustainment.

^{A High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle climbs a hill at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Cal., Jan. 17, 2017. U.S. DoD announced that as part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, 150 Humvees would be produced so they can be sent to Ukraine. (Image Credit: Army Sgt. Michael Spandau/DoD)}

The U.S. Department of Defense statement highlighted that the package includes 150 Humvees, 150 tactical vehicles, explosive ordnance disposal equipment, body armor, and an array of tactical secure communications systems, surveillance systems, and optics.

“As with every package, we provide funding for training, for maintenance and sustainment of this equipment,” the official highlighted.

In total, the U.S. has committed about $16.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since January 2021. Since 2014, the United States has committed approximately $19 billion worth of military aid to Ukraine more than $16.2 billion since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war.

The U.S. Department of Defense continues to work with Ukraine to meet its immediate and longer-term security assistance needs. “Together with our Allies and partners, our unified efforts will help Ukraine continue to be successful today while building the enduring strength of Ukraine’s forces to ensure the continued freedom and independence of the Ukrainian people,” the DoD release highlighted.