US to send Ukraine anti-drone systems

The United States is preparing to send Ukraine a $275 million military aid package offering anti-drone and air defence capabilities.

Sources say The Pentagon is also expected to include rockets for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers made by Lockheed Martin Corp, 155mm ammunition, Humvee military vehicles and generators.

The $275 million will be covered by Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) which allows the United States to transfer defence articles and services from stocks quickly without congressional approval in response to an emergency.

Russia’s surge in missile strikes in Ukraine is partly designed to exhaust Kyiv’s supplies of air defenses and achieve dominance of the skies above the country, a senior Pentagon official said in November.

To counter these attacks, the United States has sent sophisticated anti-aircraft NASAMS systems to Ukraine which have been running for a few weeks.

Also Read: Germany, allies discuss missile defence for Ukraine

Washington previously announced it was also sending HAWK interceptor missiles as well as four Avenger short-range air defense systems that use Stinger missiles, made by Raytheon Technologies Corp.

U.S. allies have also been sending air defense systems.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine the United States has sent around $19.1 billion worth of security assistance to Kyiv.

U.S. lawmakers voted on Thursday to provide Ukraine at least $800 million in additional security assistance in 2023.

Zainab Sa’id