$6 billion in long-term arms contracts with Ukraine is announced by the Pentagon

On Friday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin unveiled a $6 billion extended military assistance plan for Ukraine, marking the most substantial support yet. This allocation will empower the US to procure fresh equipment from its defense sector for the Ukrainian armed forces.

“This is the largest security assistance package that we’ve committed to date. It will include critical interceptors for Ukraine’s patriot and NASAMS air defense systems, more counter drone systems and support equipment, significant amounts of artillery ammunition, and air to ground munitions and maintenance and sustainment support,” Austin said during a press conference on Friday.

Shortly after signing the legislation, President Biden assured that deliveries of aid to Ukraine would commence within hours. However, the equipment outlined in the $6 billion package disclosed on Friday will require a significantly longer timeframe for deployment.

Joined by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Austin emphasized on Friday that the USAI package would grant Ukraine increased maneuverability.