Infantrymen fire anti-tank shoulder mounted missle launchers at a live fire range in Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, on Dec. 9, 2013. The U.S. Defense Department announced on Friday, June 11, 2021, that Ukraine was awarded a new $150 million security aid package. (Caleb Barrieau/U.S. Army)
WASHINGTON – The Defense Department on Friday announced a new $150 million security aid package for Ukraine to support the country’s border security and territorial integrity to help thwart Russian expansionism.
The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative package includes counter-artillery radars, counter-unmanned aerial systems, secure communications gear, electronic warfare capabilities, military medical evacuation equipment and training and equipment “to improve the operational safety and capacity of Ukrainian Air Force bases,” the Pentagon said in a statement.
It complements a $125 million package announced in March that included two Mark IV patrol boats, tactical gear, radars and other equipment to improve command and control capabilities, medical treatment and combat evacuation.
The $150 million package was awarded after the Pentagon and State Department certified Ukraine had made “sufficient progress on defense reforms this year, as required by the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act,” which sets spending priorities for the Defense Department, according to the statement.
“The department continues to encourage Ukraine to enact reforms that are in line with NATO principles and standards to advance its Euro-Atlantic aspirations,” chief Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Friday.
Since 2014, the U.S. has given Ukraine more than $2.5 billion in security assistance, according to the statement.
“[The U.S.] will continue to strengthen our strategic defense partnership, including through the provision of defensive lethal assistance,” the Pentagon said. “The United States will also continue to assist Ukraine with the implementation of these reforms to advance its Euro-Atlantic aspirations in support of a secure, prosperous, democratic and free Ukraine.”
Twitter: @CaitlinDoornbos
