U.S. to finance upgrade of dozens of Soviet-era T-72  tanks  for Ukraine war effort.   (Credit: Wikipedia)

By  Gary   Raynaldo      –    DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

WASHINGTON  DC  –   The Pentagon announced Thursday the U.S. is sending $400 million in new military assistance to Ukraine.  The security package includes 45 refurbished T-72B tanks with advanced optics, communications and armor packages, missiles for the HAWK air defense system, along with four Avenger air defense systems and Stinger missiles.  Due to Russia’s continuing air attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, additional air defense capabilities are critical, said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh during a briefing with reporters. 

“The HAWK missiles, which will be refurbished using Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds, will complement Spain’s recent commitment of HAWK launchers to help Ukraine meet this threat,” she said. “The Avenger short-range air defense systems will also provide Ukraine with capability to protect Ukrainian troops and critical infrastructure against unmanned aerial systems and helicopters.” 

U.S. Has Committed Total of $19 Billion in Security Assistance to Ukraine Since Biden Administration 

In total, the United States has now committed more than $18.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden Administration. Since 2014, the United States has committed more than $21 billion in security assistance to Ukraine and more than $18.2 billion since the beginning of Russia’s unprovoked and brutal invasion on February 24.  Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Singh said overhauled Soviet-era  T-72B tanks included in the USAI package are part of a trilateral, coordinated effort with the Netherlands and Czech Republic.  These tanks will come from the inventory of the Czech defence industry.  Deliveries of these T-72B tanks will commence as soon as contracting actions are completed, according to the DOD. Some of the tanks will be available to Ukraine before the end of December 2022, with additional deliveries to be completed in 2023, the DOD said.