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A Soldier backs an M32 Bradley fighting vehicle into a C-17 cargo bay guideded by Master Sgt. Krystopher Schwandt, loadmaster, for transport back to Fort Benning GA. Sept. 19, 2012.
Photo: Tech. Sgt. Michael OHalloran | U.S. Army | FlickrCC
WASHINGTON – The Biden administration announced nearly $3.8 billion in security assistance for Ukraine and European allies on Friday, Washington’s largest package since Russia’s full-scale invasion began nearly a year ago.
The upcoming military aid package, the 29th such tranche, brings U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s fight to about $24.9 billion since the beginning of the Biden administration.
The assistance includes $2.9 billion in weapons to be provided immediately to Ukraine, and $225 million in long-term financing to support Ukraine’s military. The package also includes $682 million in foreign military financing to rebuild the arsenals of European allies.
The $2.85 billion weapons package includes Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, artillery systems, armored personnel carriers, surface-to-air missiles and ammunition.
New to this aid package are the Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, an armored tracked vehicle manufactured by U.S. defense firm BAE Systems. Bradleys are typically equipped with a rotating turret, mounted gun and potentially TOW anti-tank missiles, though the White House declined to elaborate on how the vehicles would be outfitted.
U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said it would take “some time” for the vehicles to get to ukraine.
What I can tell you is that we are going to do it as fast as I can,” Kirby said when pressed for a timeline.
He added that “it’s not going to take very long” for Ukrainian forces to learn how to use the vehicles when U.S. troops train them in a location outside of Ukraine.
