US to provide more Bradley IFVs and Stryker APCs to Ukraine due to recent battlefield losses.
In a major announcement on June 13, 2023, the United States Department of Defense (DoD) declared a robust military support package for Ukraine, worth an estimated $325 million. The aid includes additional air defense missiles, artillery munitions, and advanced combat vehicles like the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) and Stryker Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) vehicles.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
U.S. Army M2A2 ODS-SA Bradley Fighting Vehicle. (Picture source U.S DoD)
This move marks the Biden Administration's 40th equipment drawdown from DoD inventories to aid Ukraine since August 2021, signifying a sustained commitment towards supporting Ukraine's sovereignty. This assistance aims to strengthen Ukraine's defenses, help reclaim its territory, and support its air defense forces safeguarding soldiers, civilians, and critical infrastructure.
Open sources reveal that the Ukrainian army has already lost 16 of the 109 Bradley M2A2 vehicles during the first two days of a counter-offensive against Russian forces, emphasizing the need to bolster the army's combat capabilities with new deliveries of armored vehicles like Bradley IFVs and Stryker APCs.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary, Sabrina Singh, highlighted that the latest assistance includes key capabilities that will support Ukraine's ongoing struggle to regain control over its territories while defending its soldiers and civilians. The Pentagon's commitment to Ukraine's defense was underscored by this 40th drawdown from its inventories.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken reinforced the promise of continued support, reminding that Russia initiated this unwarranted conflict and could stop it by withdrawing its forces. He affirmed the United States' commitment to stand united with Ukraine until Russia ceases its brutalities.
Simultaneously, the Pentagon disclosed that Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley are gearing up to host a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. This U.S.-led alliance comprises over 50 countries rallying in support of Ukraine.
Singh indicated that this meeting would offer a platform for allies and partners to understand Ukraine's battlefield requirements directly from Ukrainian representatives. The meeting will take place in Brussels on June 15, followed by a NATO defense ministers' meeting on June 16.
The U.S. recently authorized another package worth $2.1 billion for Ukraine, under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. The initiative allows the U.S. to procure capabilities from industry and partners. In total, the U.S. has granted more than $39 billion in security aid to Ukraine since the onset of the Russian invasion in February 2022.
