Europe

What’s in the Latest $1 Billion Weapons Package the US Just Promised Ukraine

June 15, 2022Hannah Ray Lambert
weapons ukraine

A Marine Corps CH-53 helicopter carries an M777 howitzer Aug. 14, 2014, on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The US has pledged to send more howitzers and other weapons to Ukraine. US Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Desire M. Mora.

The United States is promising Ukraine a new $1 billion weapons package that will include more artillery, ammunition, coastal defense weapons, and rocket systems, President Joe Biden announced Wednesday, June 15. The US will also send an additional $225 million in humanitarian assistance to help Ukrainians access safe drinking water, medical supplies, food, and more, the White House revealed in a written statement.


The new security assistance will be the 12th drawdown of equipment from US military inventories for Ukraine since August 2021, Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense J. Todd Breasseale said in a statement.


The Pentagon said the latest batch of weapons pulled from Defense Department stockpiles is valued at $350 million and will include:



artillery
US-supplied M777 howitzers are being used by the Ukrainian military to fight back against invading Russian forces. Photo courtesy of the US Embassy in Kyiv, via Twitter.

The US will also buy two harpoon coastal defense systems for Ukraine, as well as thousands of secure radios, night vision devices, thermal sights, and other optics, as well as fund training on and maintenance of the weapons. That portion of the package is valued at about $650 million and represents the beginning of a contracting process to provide Ukrainian troops with more capabilities, according to the Pentagon.


Since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, the US has pledged more than $5.6 billion in security assistance and sent Ukrainian forces thousands of weapons ranging from anti-aircraft missiles and drones to artillery and small arms. More than 100,000 American troops are also deployed in NATO-member countries across Europe.


President Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Wednesday before making the aid announcement and reaffirmed his commitment that the US would “stand by Ukraine as it defends its democracy and support its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of unprovoked Russian aggression,” according to the White House release.


Read Next: What Is HIMARS? An Army Artillery Officer Breaks Down the US Rocket Systems Headed to Ukraine



Hannah Ray Lambert
Hannah Ray Lambert

Hannah Ray Lambert is a former staff writer for Coffee or Die who previously covered everything from murder trials to high school trap shooting teams. She spent several months getting tear gassed during the 2020-2021 civil unrest in Portland, Oregon. When she’s not working, Hannah enjoys hiking, reading, and talking about authors and books on her podcast Between Lewis and Lovecraft.

More from Coffee or Die Magazine
Bazooka
How the Bazooka Gained Infamy as a Tank-Buster

Named after a musical instrument, the Bazooka proved to be a highly effective weapon for American troops, including one maverick pilot, throughout multiple wars.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall (center) delivers testimony during a House Appropriations Committee hearing in the Capitol Building, Washington, D.C.
Home to Glenn, Armstrong, Wrights Perfect Spot for Space Command HQ, Ohio Lawmakers Say

Ohio lawmakers pitch their state as the new location for Space Command headquarters.

soflete
Soflete: How This Veteran-Led Company is Changing Military Fitness Culture

In 2014, Soflete’s co-founders saw workout overkill hurting their peers as they prepared for selecti...

glock 19
Glock 19: Origin Story of a Legendary Pistol

Get to know the Glock 19 — how it works, who uses it, and why it’s one of the most popular handguns in the US.

afghan soldier asylum
Afghan Soldier Who Helped US Weathers Injuries, Uncertainty in Asylum Bid

Afghan soldier who assisted the U.S. now faces uncertainty in bid for asylum.

The Dirty Dozen
‘The Dirty Dozen’: Meet D-Day’s Real Rogue Commandos

The Dirty Dozen was based on a real team of rule-breaking elite paratroopers who jumped into France ahead of D-Day.

d-day 79th anniversary
Normandy Marks D-Day's 79th Anniversary, Honors World War II Veterans

This year's D-Day tribute to the young soldiers who died in Normandy is not only a chance to honor t...

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
Contact Us
  • Request a Correction
  • Write for Us
  • General Inquiries
© 2023 Coffee or Die Magazine. All Rights Reserved