US Pentagon Readies New $2 Billion Ukraine Air Defense Package

Today, June 9, the United States is set to announce a new long-term military aid package valued at more than two billion dollars. The defense package will strengthen the ability of Ukrainians to better protect its skies from Russian attacks.

This was reported by Bloomberg

As part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), it is planned to purchase Hawk missile launchers and two types of advanced Patriot missile defense systems – Patriot Advanced Capability Missile-3 also known as Pac-3 and Guidance Enhanced Missile or GEM-T, with a high ability to hit ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as enemy aircraft.

The USAI initiative is aimed at helping Ukraine's armed forces resist the Russian invasion. The program provides contracts as part of a long-term perspective of supporting Ukraine, rather than immediate needs for the transfer of defense equipment to the battlefield.

Last year, the United States announced the delivery of Hawk systems to Ukraine from U.S. government warehouses. However, they were supposed to be upgraded at the expense of USAI first.

At the end of May, Ramstein meeting of defense ministers from 50 countries was held to provide Ukraine with the latest air defense systems, organize the supply of F-16 aircraft, and train pilots. The measures are focused on helping the Ukrainians more effectively counter missile attacks from the Russian Federation. Over the previous month, the Ukrainian capital suffered 17 massive air attacks by various types of weapons.

Earlier, the United States announced a $300 million worth package to provide Ukraine with ammunition for Patriot air defense systems, Avanger systems, and Stinger anti-aircraft systems.

The new $2 billion defense aid package will be announced against the backdrop of Ukraine's upcoming counteroffensive, which is about to begin. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, Ukraine's armed forces are already ready for it.

Air defense is essential for Ukraine both in protecting its civilians and in regaining the territories of Ukraine seized by Russia since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.