The package, provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), aims to address Ukraine's ongoing battlefield needs and demonstrate unwavering U.S. support.

This announcement comes on the two-year anniversary of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group led by Secretary Austin, showcasing the long-standing commitment of the United States towards helping Ukraine defend its sovereignty. The funding for this assistance package was recently appropriated by the national security supplemental, which the President has just signed into law.

The USAI package includes a range of crucial equipment to bolster Ukraine's air defenses, fires, and artillery. It also aims to sustain capabilities previously committed by the United States. Among the key capabilities being provided are additional munitions for Patriot air defense systems and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS).

The package will also include equipment to integrate Western air defense launchers, missiles, and radars with Ukraine's existing systems. Counter-UAS equipment and systems, munitions for laser-guided rocket systems, and additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) are also part of the assistance package.

To enhance Ukraine's reconnaissance capabilities, the USAI package will include Switchblade and Puma Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Tactical vehicles will be provided to facilitate the towing of weapons and equipment. Additionally, components will be supplied to support the Ukrainian production of UAS and other capabilities.

The assistance package also encompasses small arms, additional small arms ammunition, and ancillary items to support training, maintenance, and sustainment activities.

This USAI package signifies the unwavering commitment of the United States to fulfill Ukraine's immediate and enduring capability needs in countering Russian aggression. It highlights the collective effort of the global coalition built with over 50 Allies and partners.

The announcement represents the start of a contracting process to acquire these priority capabilities for Ukraine. Unlike the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which has been utilized to deliver equipment from DoD stocks, the USAI provides an authority under which the United States procures capabilities either from U.S. industry or partners.

The DoD's commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense is a testament to the strong bilateral relations between the two nations. This assistance package aims to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities and ensure its ability to tackle any security challenges it may face.