Fayez Nureldine | Afp | Getty Images WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is set to send its 15th security aid package to Ukraine, bringing the tally of US military and humanitarian aid to more than $7 billion since Russia invaded Ukraine in late February. A senior US defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to share details of the additional security assistance, said the $400 million arms package was coordinated with Ukrainian officials and is tailored to the broader Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine. Heavy artillery platforms, such as howitzers and high-mobility artillery rocket systems, or HIMARS, are high on the Ukrainian military’s wish lists.
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Read more about CNBC’s political coverage: The official said the latest security package will include four additional HIMARS, bringing the total number of HIMARS deliveries to Ukraine by US arsenals to 12. HIMARS, manufactured by defense giant Lockheed Martin, are designed to launch a variety of missiles from a mobile 5-tonne truck. The official said US troops will continue to train Ukrainian forces on how to use the platform outside the country. US M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Launchers (HIMARS) fire a salvo during the “African Lion” military exercise in the Grier Labouihi region of southeastern Morocco on June 9, 2021. Fadel Senna | AFP | Getty Images “We will continue to train them because we see it as an ongoing battle,” the official said, adding that HIMARS training takes about a week to complete. The official declined to elaborate when pressed by reporters on how many Ukrainian troops have so far completed training on the HIMARS platform. Read more: Here’s a look at the firepower the US has committed to Ukraine in its fight against Russia The person added that the latest security assistance will be a combination of systems already deployed in the race as well as new capabilities. The official said the latest batch of weapons will include additional ammunition for HIMARS, 155mm shells and cartridges for the howitzers. This is breaking news. Check back for updates.
