What the US aid package mean for Ukraine

 

A proposed $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine is on the brink of approval, potentially offering significant support against Russian advances. The aid encompasses air defense systems, mid to long-range missiles, artillery shells, and F-16 fighter jets. Here's a breakdown of what this aid could entail and its potential impact:

Air Defense:

• Protecting Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure from Russian threats in the skies is paramount.
• Ukraine currently utilizes a range of western-supplied air defense systems, including the Patriot system, but additional Patriots or equivalent systems are deemed necessary by President Zelensky.
• Russian cruise and ballistic missiles, along with Iranian-made drones, pose significant challenges due to their volume and tactics aimed at overwhelming air defenses.

Mid to Long-Range Missiles:

• The ground war is crucial, with Ukraine losing substantial territory to Russian forces.
• High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) have proven effective, delivering guided munitions from mobile platforms.
• The US is prepared to transfer the long-range version of the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), extending the fight deeper into annexed Crimea and beyond.

Artillery Shells:

• M777 howitzers rely on a steady supply of 155mm artillery shells.
• The US has already sent millions of shells since February 2022, with more expected in the latest aid package.
• A robust logistics network ensures rapid delivery, though transporting equipment to the frontline may take time amid ongoing Russian assaults.

F-16 Fighter Jets:

• While not part of the current aid package, F-16s are nearing service entry.
• Ukrainian pilots are undergoing training on these multi-role aircraft, enhancing air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities.
• The first deliveries from Denmark, the Netherlands, and the US are anticipated within months, providing another valuable asset for Ukraine's defense.

Moscow has downplayed the significance of the F-16s, claiming they would not alter the battlefield dynamics and could be easily countered by Russian forces. Despite this skepticism, the aid package represents a substantial bolstering of Ukraine's defense capabilities against ongoing Russian aggression.What