US announces $2.35B (CAD 3.2B) defence boost for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict

The White House announced a new weapons package for Ukraine with a total value of $2.3 (CAD 3.2) billion. As part of the tranche, the USA will provide, among other things, artillery ammunition, rockets for HIMARS systems, and air defence systems from its arsenal, as well as purchase large quantities of missiles for the Patriot and NASAMS systems for Ukraine.

The new package will primarily include ammunition for the key systems used by the Ukrainian army. These include the HIMARS system, artillery, HAWK air defence systems, 155 mm and 105 mm howitzers, mortars, TOW and Javelin anti-tank missiles, and AT-4 grenade launchers. Additionally, Ukraine will receive aerial navigation systems and other aviation equipment.

In addition to the equipment transferred directly from American stocks, the USA will also purchase Patriot and NASAMS air defence missiles for Kyiv valued at $2.2 (CAD 3) billion. According to the Pentagon, the missiles will reach the front according to an accelerated schedule due to the decision to prioritize supplies for Ukraine at the expense of some other countries ordering these missiles.

The package, worth a total of $2.35 (CAD 3.2) billion, is one of the largest of the sixty tranches approved to date.

The strengthening of Ukraine's air defence was discussed by phone by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. According to the State Department, the politicians discussed, among other things, "solutions to improve resilience and energy security before the winter". Blinken also expressed support for the reforms being undertaken by Ukraine to bring it closer to EU and NATO membership.