Marines fire a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, at Camp Shorab in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in February 2019. (Victoria Ross/U.S. Marine Corps)
WASHINGTON — The U.S. is sending about $300 million in military aid to Ukraine ranging from howitzers to air-to-ground rockets to small-arms ammunition, the Pentagon announced Wednesday.
The latest aid includes Hydra-70 rockets, which are unguided and launched from aircraft. Other items include an undisclosed number of rockets for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems or HIMARS, howitzers, mortars, missiles and Carl Gustaf anti-tank rifles. The aid also includes trucks, trailers and other spare parts.
The equipment and weapons are being given through the presidential drawdown authority, which means it will come directly from Pentagon stocks and sent quickly on an emergency basis. Aid given this way typically means it reaches Ukraine in a matter of weeks. This comes at a time when Ukrainian forces are preparing to launch a much-anticipated spring offensive against Russian forces.
“Russia could end its war today,” Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said in a statement. “Until Russia does, the United States and our allies and partners will stand united with Ukraine, for as long as it takes.”
The military aid announced Wednesday from the U.S. is similar to other weapons and equipment previously sent to Ukraine. It is 37th military aid package given to Ukraine, which has been provided nearly $36 billion in assistance since the war began in February 2022.
“The United States, the Department of Defense, we remain committed to working very closely with Ukraine, and our international partners and allies, to ensure they have the security assistance they need to be able to defend their country,” said Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the top Pentagon spokesman.
Here is a list from the Pentagon of what is included in the aid package:
• Additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS.
• 155mm howitzers.
• 155mm artillery rounds.
• 120mm, 81mm and 60mm mortar rounds.
• Tube-launched, optically-tracked, wire-guided missiles.
• AT-4 and Carl Gustaf anti-armor weapon systems.
• Hydra-70 aircraft rockets.
• Small arms and ammunition.
• Demolition munitions for obstacle clearing.
• Trucks and trailers to transport heavy equipment.
• Testing and diagnostic equipment to support vehicle maintenance and repair.
• Spare parts and other field equipment.
