Together with the tanks, the Armed Forces will receive machinery and equipment for their maintenance and repair, ammunition, training funding.
The Pentagon detailed additional security assistance to Ukraine, which includes modern tanks.
As noted on the Pentagon’s official website, the US Department of Defense announces the purchase of Abrams tanks for Ukraine through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) to support Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.
It is noted that, unlike the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), which the Department of Defense continued to use to deliver equipment to Ukraine from Department of Defense warehouses, USAI is the authority under which the United States purchases new funds.
“This $400 million USAI package marks the beginning of the contracting process to provide additional opportunities for Ukraine.
Features of this package include:
- 31 Abrams tanks with 120-mm shells and other ammunition;
- Eight tactical equipment recovery vehicles;
- Auxiliary vehicles and equipment;
- Funding for training, maintenance and support,” the Pentagon said in a statement.
It is also noted that in addition to the battalion of Abrams tanks provided by the United States, the European coalition undertakes to provide Ukraine with two battalions of Leopard tanks in the near future.
“The United States will continue to work with our allies and partners to meet Ukraine’s needs on the battlefield to counter Russian aggression and ensure the continued freedom and independence of the Ukrainian people,” the US Department of Defense said.
According to the Pentagon, since the beginning of the administration of Joe Biden, the United States has allocated more than 27.8 billion dollars for security assistance to Ukraine. Since 2014, the United States has provided more than $29.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine and more than $27.1 billion since Russia’s unprovoked and brutal invasion began on February 24, 2022.
US military aid to Ukraine
On January 25, 2023, US President Joe Biden officially announced the delivery of 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. One tank battalion will be formed from them.
In addition, the United States of America plans to increase the production of 155 mm projectiles, which are now needed by Ukraine, by six times. Their production will increase to 90,000 per month within two years.
