The Pentagon to ‘Rush’ Patriot Missiles and Ammunition to Ukraine in New Military Aid Package
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The Pentagon has announced its plan to provide urgent military assistance to Ukraine, including Patriot air defense missiles and artillery ammunition, in response to the growing Russian air threat in the region.
The United States, through Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, has unveiled a military aid package worth $6 billion (£4.8 billion) to support Ukraine’s defense efforts. This aid package comes as Ukraine faces escalating tensions and a significant increase in Russian aggression.
While the prestigious Patriot air defense batteries are not part of the aid package, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized the urgent need for them to counter the Russian air threat and save lives. The $6 billion allocated for Ukraine’s military aid is part of a $60 billion aid package recently signed into law by US President Joe Biden. Additionally, an immediate $1 billion in aid is included.
During a recent news conference, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the commitment of the United States to provide its largest security assistance package to date. He promised to expedite the delivery of air defense munitions, counter-drone systems, and artillery ammunition to Ukraine. Although Patriots were not mentioned specifically, Austin highlighted the importance of various types of systems and interceptors in addition to missile defense systems.
Austin further mentioned ongoing conversations with European partners to secure additional resources and deliver enhanced capabilities to support Ukraine. He underlined the critical security implications for Ukraine, Europe, and the United States, stressing the need to prevent a security threat of unprecedented proportions if Russia succeeds in Ukraine.
General Charles Brown, the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, added that the assistance provided to Ukraine should alleviate the shortage of military supplies and eliminate the need for Ukrainians to ration shells on the frontline.
The aid package also includes support to bolster Ukraine’s defense industry and enhance its ammunition production capabilities, thereby reducing its dependence on foreign supplies. Defense Minister Austin noted that Russia has significantly increased its domestic production of artillery ammunition and other weapons, along with receiving support from countries such as Iran and North Korea.
Regarding the timeline of aid implementation, Austin acknowledged that it will take time to deliver and distribute the aid. However, he expressed confidence that with this additional capability, the Ukrainian forces will be better equipped to safeguard their territory.
Simultaneously, Ukrainian security sources have warned of a fresh offensive, with Russia ramping up attacks on Ukrainian railways. Ukraine reported attempts to damage its railway infrastructure in order to hamper military cargo deliveries and transportation. This highlights the escalating tension and the need for immediate support.
Ukraine currently has a limited number of Patriot systems, mainly complementing other Western missile defense systems and outdated Soviet-era surface-to-air missiles like the S-300. Patriots, valued as the most capable and expensive air defense systems Ukraine possesses, come with a substantial cost. Each Patriot battery costs approximately $1 billion, and each missile costs nearly $4 million.
While Germany has already pledged to provide an extra Patriot system, other countries such as Greece, with their own stocks of Patriots and S-300s, cited the critical need to protect their national airspace and have refrained from supplying Ukraine with additional systems.
The Ukraine crisis has spurred an urgent appeal from Kyiv for increased support from its Western allies due to depleting ammunition stocks and Russia’s territorial advancements. Ukrainian officials have attributed both casualties and territory losses to delayed military aid from the US and its partners.
As the United States mobilizes its substantial military aid package for Ukraine, allies and partners in Europe are engaging in ongoing discussions to strengthen Ukraine’s self-defense capabilities. This joint effort seeks to counter Russia’s aggression and promote stability in the region.
