JANUARY 9, 2025 – Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced additional security assistance support to meet Ukraine’s critical security and defense needs as part of the surge of security assistance the President directed to put Ukraine in the best possible position.
This includes the approval of a Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package, which has an estimated value of $500 million, to provide Ukraine additional capabilities to meet its most urgent needs, including: missiles for air defense; air-to-ground munitions; and equipment to support Ukraine’s use of F-16s.
The capabilities in this announcement include:
- AIM-7, RIM-7, and AIM-9M missiles for air defense;
- Air-to-ground munitions;
- Support equipment for F-16s;
- Armored bridging systems;
- Secure communications equipment;
- Small arms and ammunition; and
- Spare parts, ancillary equipment, services, training, and transportation.
This is the Biden Administration’s seventy-fourth tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.
The United States continues to work together with some 50 Allies and partners that Secretary Austin will convene tomorrow as part of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its associated Capability Coalitions to provide the support Ukraine needs to prevail in its fight against Russian aggression.
The United States has led a historic effort to support Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and freedom since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, working alongside an unparalleled coalition of nations from around the world through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG). Below are key successes and facts highlighting the transformational impact of U.S. and Allied assistance under Secretary Austin’s leadership.
Unprecedented Support for Ukraine
Since the beginning of the Biden Administration, the United States has committed over $66.5 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. This assistance has ensured Ukraine’s ability to stay in the fight against unprovoked Russian aggression and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to upholding the principles of sovereignty and democracy.
The Power of Unity: UDCG Achievements
The UDCG, a visionary initiative by Secretary Austin, has evolved into an extraordinary coalition of some 50 nations collaborating to provide Ukraine with urgent military support. Since its inaugural meeting at Ramstein Air Base in April 2022, the UDCG has served as a driving force in coordinating and sustaining assistance, committing over $126 billion in security assistance. Eight Capability Coalitions, led by 14 nations and Ukraine, have been established to address Ukraine’s battlefield needs today and the development of its future force tomorrow. These coalitions serve as a blueprint for modern multilateral military cooperation.
Committed Critical Assistance Highlights
- Air Defense Systems:
- Three Patriot batteries and munitions, complemented by 12 National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), and thousands of Stinger missiles.
- Advanced counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-UAS) platforms to neutralize drone threats.
- Significance: Shielding Ukrainian civilians, cities and infrastructure from relentless Russian missile and drone attacks.
- Artillery and Ammunition:
- Millions of 155mm artillery rounds, tens of thousands of Guided Multiple-Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) munitions, and robust artillery systems to sustain Ukraine’s frontline defenses. Significance: Bolstering Ukraine’s capability to disrupt Russian positions and maintain critical territorial integrity.
- Armored Vehicles and Ground Combat:
- Over 2,000 armored vehicles, including Abrams tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and Stryker personnel carriers.
- Significance: Enhancing mobility and survivability on the battlefield.
- Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS):
- Cutting-edge drones, including Phoenix Ghost and Jump-20, for precision targeting, reconnaissance, and offensive operations.
- Significance: Extending Ukraine’s reach and tactical advantage on the battlefield.
- Airpower Development:
- Training programs for Ukrainian pilots and delivery of F-16 fighter jets, enabling Ukraine to defend its skies and project strength.
- Significance: Supporting Ukraine’s next-generation fighter capability and transition from legacy equipment.
A Coalition Built to Last
- The UDCG has provided immediate battlefield assistance and created a sustainable framework for long-term support.
- Roadmaps endorsed by the Capability Coalitions extend through 2027, ensuring that Ukraine remains strong and secure against future aggression.
- The coalition’s efforts symbolize the triumph of shared values and determination, with partners such as Denmark, Estonia, and Latvia leading in aid contributions as a percentage of GDP.
Unparalleled Results
- The U.S.-led coalition’s support has rewritten the narrative of modern warfare, enabling Ukraine to withstand and repel one of the world’s largest militaries.
- Russia has suffered staggering losses, with over 700,000 casualties reported since the war began and its economy straining under the weight of sanctions and war spending.
- Ukraine’s evolving capabilities, from modern air defense to advanced artillery, are an enduring investment in its future as a member of the Euro-Atlantic community.