US announces $538m arms aid to Ukraine, including tactical bridges, ammunition
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Ukrainian soldiers prepare to fire a howitzer from their position in the Zaporizhzhia area of Ukraine, on March 2, 2023.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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WASHINGTON – The United States announced a new military aid package for Ukraine on Friday worth US$400 million (S$538 million) primarily comprised of ammunition, but for the first time will include tactical bridges to move tanks and armoured vehicles.
The bridges could be used by Ukrainian troops who have been training in “combined arms manoeuvre” warfare, which is the coordinated use of artillery shelling, alongside tank and armoured vehicle attack movements, to retake territory seized by Russian forces since they invaded Ukraine a year ago.
The additional ammunition is being sent to help boost stocks in anticipation of a spring offensive.
“Assault bridging is essential for combined arms operations. It allows armoured vehicles to cross narrow rivers and ditches that would otherwise cause a whole force to slow down,” said Dr Jack Watling, a senior research fellow for land warfare at the London-based Royal United Services Institute.
“Importantly, assault bridges are only critical for offensive operations, showing that the US is preparing Ukraine to continue retaking its territory,” Dr Watling added.
In January, Berlin agreed to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine and said it would work with allies to send more.
German aid for Ukraine was expected to be a major topic when US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met at the White House on Friday.
Several Nato allies have pledged a range of armoured fighting vehicles.
Announcing the aid, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: “This military assistance package includes more ammunition for US-provided Himars and howitzers, which Ukraine is using so effectively to defend itself, as well as ammunition for Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, Armoured Vehicle Launched Bridges, demolitions munitions and equipment, and other maintenance, training and support.”
The package will be funded using Presidential Drawdown Authority, which authorises the president to transfer articles and services from US stocks without congressional approval during an emergency, Mr Blinken added. REUTERS
