US Announces New Defense Aid for Ukraine Including NASAMS Missiles and Anti-Tank Weapons.

On November 3, 2023, the United States announced a new $425 million security assistance package for Ukraine. This latest military aid, disclosed on November 3, 2023, includes a robust mix of munitions and anti-tank weaponry, marking the 50th installment of U.S. aid to Ukraine since August 2021.
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The latest U.S. military aid for Ukraine includes among other things NASAMS missiles, HIMARS rockets, and TOW anti-tank missiles (Picture source US DoD, Army Recognition editing)

The new defense package for Ukraine comprises state-of-the-art National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), artillery rounds, TOW missiles, and a variety of anti-armor systems including Javelin and AT-4 missiles. These armaments are designed to enhance Ukraine's capabilities in repelling armored threats and securing its airspace from hostile actions.

In addition to the heavy weaponry, the package also provides Ukraine with essential support and countermeasures against unmanned aerial systems, including laser-guided munitions. Over 3 million rounds of small arms ammunition, grenades, demolition munitions for clearing obstacles, Claymore antipersonnel mines, and a dozen trucks for heavy equipment transportation are part of the consignment. To aid the Ukrainian forces through the harsh winter, the U.S. is also supplying cold weather gear, along with spare parts, maintenance supplies, and other field equipment.

Valued at up to $125 million, this security assistance is sourced from the Defense Department's inventories, utilizing funds previously authorized under presidential drawdown authority. Additionally, the package is complemented by $300 million from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. This funding is part of the continuing resolution recently passed by Congress, effectively utilizing the remaining funds currently earmarked to support Ukraine.

During an October 31 hearing with the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III emphasized the necessity of supplemental aid for Ukraine. He highlighted the critical need for continued support to enable Ukraine to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of persistent Russian military actions.

Defense News November 2023