The United States unveiled a $1.1 billion arms package for Ukraine's battle against Russia on Wednesday, including 18 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher systems, accompanying ammunition, several types of counter drone systems, and radar equipment.
According to a senior defense official on a conference call, the Pentagon's statement kicks off a contracting procedure to buy the weapons, which could be deployed in 6 to 24 months.
Funds authorized by the US Congress for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) will be utilized to allow the Biden administration to acquire weapons from industry rather than existing US arms stocks.
Among the package are some 150 vehicles, 40 trucks and 80 trailers to transport heavy equipment, 2 radars to track unmanned aerial systems, 20 multi-mission radars tactical secure communications and surveillance systems as well as body armor training maintenance and spares.
HIMARS launchers are made by Lockheed Martin Corp.
This announcement marks $16.2 billion worth of U.S. security assistance since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.
