Biden administration rolls out $270 million Ukraine weapons package
by Jordan Williams - 07/22/22 2:24 PM ET
The Biden administration on Friday rolled out a $270 million security assistance package for Ukraine that includes four more High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and hundreds of tactical drones.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters that the package includes $175 million in presidential drawdown authority, which allows the Pentagon to send weapons from its own stockpiles.
The remaining funds will go toward contracting up to 580 Phoenix Ghost unmanned aerial systems under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
The Pentagon first sent the drones in April, when it included 121 of as part of an $800 million weapons package. The drones are similar to the Switchblade drone, which is a small, rapidly deployable system that can fly short distances and is difficult to detect.
The HIMARS will be included in the drawdown package, along with additional ammunition for the systems, as well as 36,000 rounds of artillery ammunition and anti-armor vehicles, Kirby said.
The U.S. has now committed to providing 16 of the launchers to Ukraine, allowing Kyiv to strike targets from greater distances inside of Ukraine.
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https://thehill.com/policy/defense/3570803-biden-administration-rolls-out-270-million-ukraine-weapons-package/