Pentagon unveils biggest ever aid package for Ukraine

Multibillion-dollar military package was unlocked after Congress approved additional spending for Kyiv

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said new military aid will let Ukraine 'create options for itself going forward'. AFP

The Pentagon on Friday unveiled its biggest assistance package yet for Kyiv, unlocking $6 billion for Patriot missiles, ammunition and other weaponry for the beleaguered Ukrainian military.

The aid is the second package announced in three days, after President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed into law a long-delayed $95 billion foreign aid bill that includes $61 billion for Ukraine.

“This is the largest security assistance package we've committed to date,” Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters as he announced the new $6 billion package.

“Ukraine will have the ability to not only hold its own, but regenerate additional capability and then create options for itself going forward.”

The US is a key military backer for Ukraine and has provided more than $44 billion in security assistance since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Mr Austin said the new package would include air defence interceptors, counter-drone systems, artillery shells and maintenance and sustainment support.

The smaller, $1 billion package unveiled on Wednesday included a longer-range version of a tactical ballistic missile system known as ATACMS, which Ukraine has long desired in a push to strike deeper into occupied territory.

Mr Austin spoke after leading a virtual meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who discussed the need for Patriot missiles at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which comprises about 50 nations supporting Ukraine.

Mr Austin said that now Ukraine no longer needs to ration its ammunition, a key factor in how well it can defend against Russia's manpower.

“They are doing some additional things to mobilise additional troops to replenish their ranks. I think all of those things are going to come together to put them in a much better place – but it will take a little time,” Mr Austin said.

Mr Biden first requested the additional $61 billion for Ukraine in October but Republicans refused to consider it, wary of handing the President an election year legislative win and amid pressure from far-right Republicans who appear sympathetic towards Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Weapons wanted by Ukraine – in pictures

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  Air defence: Ukraine’s air defence largely depends on the Patriot system. AFP

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  Air: Stinger short-range surface-to-air missile. Reuters

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  Air: Aim-120 air-to-air missiles. More than 14,000 of the missiles, that have a range exceeding 120km, have been produced with their accuracy so good that they have been nicknamed “Slammer”. Getty Images

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  Air: F-16s will provide greater surveillance and the ability to attack high-value targets behind Russian lines in occupied Ukraine. EPA

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  Armour: Bradley IFV. The Ukrainians have found the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, with its 25mm cannon, very useful in protecting troops and providing decent firepower. Bloomberg

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  Armour: M113. The 1960s-designed versatile M113 armoured personnel carrier has proven effective in protecting troops against minefields. Getty Images

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  Artillery: 155mm artillery rounds. A massive delivery of 155mm rounds could prove crucial in preventing further Russian advances, particularly in its expected summer offensive. AFP

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  Artillery: ATACMs long-range precision missiles. The ATACMS have a range of 300km with the ability to land within a few metres of a target. Getty Images

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  Artillery: Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB). It can be fired from the HIMARS system. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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  Artillery: M777 guns and replacement barrels. The Ukrainians need many M777 howitzer barrels to replace those worn down by extensive use. Getty Images