Pentagon Sends Additional Drones, Rocket Systems to Ukraine

The United States will provide another $300 million in security assistance to Ukraine, the Pentagon announced late Friday, TURAN’s Washington correspondent reports.

The Department of Defense said in a statement that it notified Congress of additional assistance activities under authority provided by the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

“This decision underscores the United States' unwavering commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in support of its heroic efforts to repel Russia's war of choice”, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said.

Capabilities in this package include:

* Laser-guided rocket systems;

* Switchblade Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems;

* Puma Unmanned Aerial Systems;

* Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems;

* Armored High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles;

* Small-to-large caliber nonstandard ammunition;

* Night vision devices, thermal imagery systems, and optics;

* Tactical secure communications systems;

* Non-standard machine guns;

* Commercial satellite imagery services;

* Medical supplies, field equipment, and spare parts.

Washington has now committed more than $2.3 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden Administration, including more than $1.6 billion in security assistance since Russia's invasion.

“The United States will continue to utilize all available tools to support Ukraine's Armed Forces in the face of Russian aggression,” Pentagon said.

The move comes as local media reported that the U.S. has been quietly granting Ukraine’s request for protective equipment against a possible chemical weapons attack from Russia, something that the Pentagon refused to comment. 

Meanwhile, the U.S. is reportedly rushing to provide Ukrainian civilians with gas masks, hazmat suits and other materials, though Kyiv could decide to send this protective gear to its military, according to media reports.

Alex Raufoglu

Washington D.C.