International

The Defense Department has announced a new $2.3 billion military aid package for Ukraine, mostly funding a large purchase of air defense interceptors.

The package, first announced by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday, would immediately transfer U.S. weapons valued at $150 million via presidential drawdown authority, while $2.2 billion in aid would be provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

The $2.2 billion USAI action, which contracts with defense companies to provide Ukraine with long-term aid, would pay for a “significant package of air defense interceptors,” according to DOD.

“This funding will be used to purchase interceptors for Patriot and [National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems] for Ukraine,” DOD said.

The Biden administration, as previously announced, plans to accelerate delivery of the interceptors by “re-sequencing” foreign military sales involving other U.S. allies.

“As a result, Ukraine will be provided with the interceptors it urgently needs to protect its people and critical infrastructure against Russia's aerial attacks,” DOD said.

Meanwhile, the $150 million PDA transfer includes:

Missiles for HAWK air defense systems;
     Ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);
     155mm and 105mm artillery rounds;
     81mm mortar rounds;
     Tube-Launched, Optically Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles;
     Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems;
     Small arms ammunition and grenades;
     Demolition equipment and munitions;
     Tactical vehicles to tow equipment;
     Tactical air navigation systems and aircraft support equipment; and,
     Spare parts, maintenance, and other equipment.