The U.S. has approved a new $2.2 billion weapons aid package for Ukraine, which includes plans to supply Kyiv with Boeing [BA]-built Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB)
The latest security assistance package is split between $425 million in weapons to be pulled from existing Pentagon inventories and $1.75 billion capability to be procured from industry with Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds.
“Today’s announcement includes critical air defense capabilities to help Ukraine defend its people as well as armored infantry vehicles and more equipment that Ukraine is using so effectively, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, artillery ammunition and convention and long-range rockets for U.S-provided HIMARS,” Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, said during a briefing on Friday.
The GLSDBs, which are capable of hitting targets out to 150 kilometers in range, are part of the USAI package and it will likely take months before the weapons are delivered to Ukraine.
“Yes, as part of the USAI package we will be providing ground-launched small diameter bombs to Ukraine. This gives them a longer-range capability, a long range fires capability, that will enable them, again, to conduct operations in defense of their country and to take back their sovereign territory and Russian-occupied areas,” Ryder told reporters on Friday.
The USAI portion of the new security assistance package also includes plans to procure two Raytheon Technologies [RTX]-built HAWK air defense firing units, anti-aircraft guns and ammunition, counter-drone systems, four air surveillance radars, 20 counter-mortar radars, AeroVironment’s [AVAV] Puma drones and secure communications equipment for Ukraine.
USAI funds will also be used to acquire “equipment to integrate Western air defense launchers, missiles, and radars with Ukraine’s air defense systems” as well as “equipment to sustain Ukraine’s existing air defense capabilities,” according to the Pentagon.
“Without going into operationally-sensitive matters, broadly speaking it’s a couple of things. So first of all, it’s important to recognize that the Ukrainians already have done a fairly remarkable job of employing the air defense capabilities they have. That said, we do recognize that, as they take these new pieces and parts and integrate into their system, continued support is required,” Ryder said.
The U.S. to date has committed to providing Ukraine with a Patriot missile defense battery as well as NASAMS air defense systems, while a range of international partners have also provided air defense capabilities to support Kyiv in its fight against Russia’s ongoing invasion.
The $425 million drawdown portion of the package covers additional ammunition for HIMARS, more 155mm artillery rounds and 120mm mortar rounds, 190 heavy machines “with thermal imagery sights and associated ammunition to counter Unmanned Aerial Systems,” 181 MRAP vehicles, 250 Javelin anti-armor missiles, 2,000 anti-armor rockets, Claymore anti-personnel munitions, demolitions munitions and cold weather gear, according to the Pentagon.