On May 9, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced a new security assistance package to reaffirm the steadfast U.S. support for Ukraine, including bolstering its air defenses and sustaining its artillery ammunition needs. This package, which totals up to $1.2 billion, is being provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).
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Firing of an FIM-92 Stinger anti-aircraft system (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

This USAI package underscores the continued U.S. commitment to meeting Ukraine's most urgent requirements by committing critical near-term capabilities, such as air defense systems and munitions, while also building the capacity of Ukraine's Armed Forces to defend its territory and deter Russian aggression over the long term. This includes committing additional 155mm artillery rounds and sustainment support to enable Ukraine to better maintain its on-hand systems and equipment.

Unlike Presidential Drawdown authority (PDA), which the U.S. DoD has continued to leverage to deliver equipment to Ukraine from DoD stocks at a historic pace, USAI is an authority under which the United States procures capabilities from industry or partners. This announcement represents the beginning of a contracting process to provide additional priority capabilities to Ukraine.

The capabilities in this package include:
• Additional air defense systems and munitions;
• Equipment to integrate Western air defense launchers, missiles, and radars with Ukraine's air defense systems;
• Ammunition for counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems;
• 155mm artillery rounds;
• Commercial satellite imagery services;
• Support for training, maintenance, and sustainment activities.

Defense News May 2023