US confirms Military Aid to Ukraine Including air defense missiles and Bradley M2 IFVs.

On April 24, 2024, the US Department of Defense (DoD) announced a significant new tranche of security assistance for Ukraine, following the President’s signing of a national security supplemental law. This assistance, marking the fifty-sixth delivery of equipment from DoD stocks to Ukraine since August 2021, is designed to meet Ukraine’s critical security and defense needs. The Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package, valued at one billion dollars, includes a variety of equipment to address Ukraine's most urgent needs, including air defense missiles, infantry fighting vehicles, and anti-tank missiles.
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Since the start of the Biden Administration, the United States has allocated over $44.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, with more than $44.2 billion provided since Russia's invasion on February 24, 2022 (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)

The capabilities provided include RIM-7 and AIM-9M missiles for air defense, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, and small arms with additional ammunition such as .50 caliber rounds to counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The package also features additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), 155mm artillery rounds including High Explosive and Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions, 105mm artillery rounds, and 60mm mortars.

The RIM-7 and AIM-9M missiles are key components of the U.S. military's air defense arsenal. The RIM-7, also known as the Sea Sparrow, is a ship-launched missile designed primarily for defending against anti-ship missiles and aircraft. It features semi-active radar homing for precision targeting. The AIM-9M Sidewinder, an evolution within the Sidewinder family, is an air-to-air missile used by aircraft to engage enemy fighters at short range. It employs infrared homing to detect and track the heat emitted from targets, making it effective in close combat scenarios.

Furthermore, Ukraine will receive Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs), High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs), and various logistical and tactical vehicles for towing and equipment transport. The Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) is a major combat vehicle of the U.S. Army, designed to transport infantry or scouts with armor protection while providing covering fire to suppress enemy troops and armored vehicles.

The Bradley is equipped with a 25mm cannon, a TOW anti-tank missile system, and a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, combining firepower with mobility and defense. Its ability to carry a full squad of troops in addition to the crew makes it a critical asset in mechanized operations.

Additionally, the package includes Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles, Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems, precision aerial munitions, airfield support equipment, anti-armor mines, Claymore anti-personnel munitions, demolition munitions for obstacle clearing, night vision devices, along with spare parts, field equipment, training munitions, maintenance, and other ancillary equipment. The Javelin and AT-4 are portable anti-tank systems used by the U.S. and several allied militaries.

The Javelin is a fire-and-forget missile with infrared guidance that allows the operator to take cover immediately after launch, enhancing survivability. It is highly effective against modern armored vehicles, fortified bunkers, and other entrenchments. The AT-4, on the other hand, is an unguided, single-shot weapon that is used primarily against light armor and buildings. It is valued for its simplicity and effectiveness at close range, making it suitable for infantry forces to enhance their anti-armor capabilities.

This package aims to strengthen Ukraine's arsenal to defend its front lines, protect its cities, and counter ongoing Russian attacks. With bipartisan Congressional support, Ukraine can rely on steadfast US leadership to consistently provide vital security assistance in collaboration with around fifty allies and partners, ensuring its defenders have the critical capabilities needed to combat Russian aggression.

Defense News April 2024