US confirms to provide Ukraine with more air defense missiles and anti-tank weapons.

On December 12, 2023, the United States Department of Defense (DoD), despite the opposition of the U.S. House of Representatives, announced a new tranche of $200 million security assistance to Ukraine. This assistance, the fifty-third of its kind since August 2021, underscores the Biden Administration's firm commitment to supporting Ukraine's fight for sovereignty and independence.
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AIM-9 air-to-air missile fired by Nasams launcher. (Picture source: Raytheon)

At the heart of this package is the strengthening of Ukraine's air defense capabilities, a crucial need in the face of Russia's constant air attacks. The U.S. is supplying AIM-9M missiles, known for their precision and reliability in air combat, along with vital components for air defense systems. These additions are expected to significantly enhance Ukraine's ability to defend against aerial threats, thus contributing to the protection of Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure.

The AIM-9M Sidewinder is a variant of the short-range air-to-air AIM-9 missile, originally designed in the United States and in service since 1956. Manufactured by companies like Raytheon, Ford Aerospace, and Loral Corp, the missile weighs approximately 85 kg and is nearly 3 meters long. It is equipped with a WDU-17/B annular blast-fragmentation warhead weighing 94 kg. Its operational range varies between 10 to 35 km, and it can achieve speeds greater than Mach 2.5. The missile utilizes a Hercules/Bermite Mk. 36 solid-fuel engine and features an infrared guidance system, though some variants, like the AIM-9C, also employ semi-active radar homing. The detonation mechanism is an infrared proximity fuse. In terms of cost, the latest versions are priced at around $400,000, with cheaper training versions available for approximately $210,000.

Beyond air defense, the $200 million package includes a variety of other defense equipment. This includes additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), 155mm and 105mm artillery shells, and High-speed Anti-radiation missiles (HARMs). Also included are TOW (Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided) missiles, Javelin, and AT-4 anti-armor systems, highlighting a comprehensive approach to meeting Ukraine's defense needs.

The aid also comprises over 4 million rounds of small arms ammunition, demolition munitions for obstacle clearance, and essential support equipment like spare parts and generators. These components are crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of Ukrainian forces.

Despite strong opposition from the United States House of Representatives, this aid package, drawn from DoD inventories under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), reflects the essential role of American leadership in sustaining a coalition of about 50 allies and partners supporting Ukraine. The assistance is not only a response to the immediate conflict but is also seen as a strategic investment in global stability. It deters potential aggression in other regions and supports the American defense industrial base, creating highly skilled jobs domestically.

As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, the United States, in collaboration with its allies, remains focused on addressing Ukraine's most pressing battlefield needs. The swift passage of the President's national security supplemental request by Congress is now imperative to ensure the continuation and escalation of this crucial support.