A significant $3 billion military aid package for Ukraine was unveiled by the US on Friday. It includes 50 Bradley fighting vehicles in addition to numerous other armored vehicles.
Even though the $2.85 billion in US inventory and $225 million in foreign military funds that make up the support do not include the modern Western tanks that Kiev has requested, it will nonetheless provide its forces a significant boost in firepower.
According to Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Laura Cooper, it is “the largest security aid package in terms of total amount that we have committed thus far.” The Bradleys, which come with 500 TOW anti-tank missiles and 250,000 rounds of ammunition for their 25mm autocannons, are the package’s star attractions.
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The Bradley vehicles will improve Ukraine’s capacity to carry out intricate manoeuvres in nearly every weather and terrain, particularly in the south and east of the nation, according to Cooper.
100 M113 and 55 MRAP armoured vehicles, 18 155mm self-propelled howitzers, artillery ammunition, mortar rounds, air defence missiles, and numerous small arms are also included in the shipment.
In comparison to earlier artillery pieces that had to be hauled by vehicles, the self-propelled howitzers “will give greater protection and maneuverability,” Cooper added.
The tools would support increased US training for Ukrainian forces, which will begin this month and concentrate on larger-scale drills, she said. Cooper continued, “We are setting Ukraine up to be able to advance and recapture land.
The new package was praised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “powerful and timely.” Since Russia invaded in February 2022, the US has provided military support worth more than $24.2 billion.
“We will receive Bradley armoured vehicles for the first time, which is precisely what is required. new weapons, including high-precision projectiles, “In his nightly address, he said.
Ukraine has long advocated for more powerful weapons that would support its operations, such as tanks. Western countries have been hesitant to send them due to concerns that they would escalate the conflict or antagonize Russia. However, the Ukrainians have gained strength, and Western countries have increased the amount of weapons they give to them.
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The US and Germany announced the armored vehicles after France pledged to deploy its AMX-10 RC light tanks, which are wheeled rather than tracked but contain a much larger cannon typical of a tank.
