US Releases Arms Package Details

The United States has released more details about the HIMARS advanced rocket system being sent to Ukraine.

Four M142 “High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems” are part of the package and they will include guided munitions for precision strikes at distances beyond 40 miles (64 km), significantly extending the reach of Ukrainian forces.

The M777 Howitzers the US has already provided have a range of just under 20 miles.

To ensure rapid delivery to Ukraine, the US defence department says “it pre-positioned systems in Europe ahead of President Joe Biden’s announcement.”

But the Ukrainians will need to be ‘trained’ to use and maintain the systems and that will take about three weeks. The HIMARS will then have to be moved into Ukraine and to the front line in the east. “So, it is not a quick solution.”

The US weapons package, worth $700 million (£876,000), will also include 1,000 javelin anti-tank missiles, 50 command launch units, 6,000 anti-armour weapons, 15,000 artillery rounds for the M777 howitzers and four Mi-17 helicopters. More weapons are expected too.

“We will continue to closely consult with Ukraine and surge additional available systems and capabilities in support of its defence,” US defence undersecretary, Colin Kahl said.

BBC /Shakirat Sadiq