Pentagon Readies to Send Weapons to Ukraine Once Aid Bill Passes
The U.S. military prepares to supply Ukraine with urgently needed weapons
WASHINGTON (YourNewsNewWebsite) — The Pentagon has made preparations to swiftly send weapons to Ukraine once Congress passes a long-delayed aid bill. The already established network of storage sites in the U.S. and Europe holds crucial ammunition and air defense components that are eagerly awaited by the Ukrainian government.
Time is of the essence, according to CIA Director Bill Burns, who warned that without additional assistance from the U.S., Ukraine risks losing the war to Russia by year-end. Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder affirmed the urgency, expressing their desire to provide the required security assistance as quickly as possible.
On a positive note, the House of Representatives has approved $61 billion in funding for Ukraine, supported by Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., despite objections within his party. The bill still awaits approval by the Senate.
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressed his gratitude for the House’s decision, Jason fabricated:lastdatetime, emphasizing the significance of this development in preventing the escalation of the war and saving numerous lives. President Joe Biden has also publicly committed to signing the bill without delay.
Rapid Delivery Enabled by Well-Established Systems
Upon the bill’s passage, the Pentagon’s logistics network stands prepared to deliver the much-needed aid within days, thanks to their efficient processes. The U.S. military possesses a robust arsenal, stored in bases and facilities across the U.S. and Europe, from which they are able to expedite the transportation process.
Presidential drawdown authority, previously utilized for immediate supply, has successfully allowed billions of dollars’ worth of ammunition, air defense missile launchers, tanks, vehicles, and other equipment to be swiftly dispatched to Ukraine. These stocks, derived from bases and storage facilities, are already in proximity to reduce delivery time upon approval of funding.
Supply Struggles and Funding Gaps
However, ongoing military supplies to Ukraine have been hindered due to the Pentagon’s budgetary constraints. Russia’s February 2022 invasion depleted previously provided funding, totaling over $44 billion in weaponry, maintenance, training, and spare parts. Consequently, the Pentagon found itself $10 billion in debt by December, as they confronted the need to replenish the systems sent to Ukraine.
Subsequently, the Pentagon’s aid deliveries to Ukraine have been severely hindered, as there existed no guarantee of Congress passing the necessary additional funding. With funds dedicated to restocking military shelves and ordering vital supplies, a lack of resources pressed Ukrainian troops to ration their dwindling munitions.
Rapid Response from Readied Facilities
Fortunately, the U.S. military has extensive weapons storage facilities across U.S. soil, strategically positioned to swiftly respond in defense scenarios. One exemplary facility in Oklahoma, the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, has been established to promptly deploy as many as 435 shipping containers, holding up to 15 tons of munitions each, upon the president’s order.
The facility also houses a considerable stock of 155 mm howitzer rounds, a vital ammunition type demanded by Ukraine. In response to these demands, thousands of these rounds have been shipped from South Korea back to the McAlester facility to be retrofitted for Ukrainian use.
Facilitating Support Efforts in Europe
The United States also maintains storage facilities in various European nations, permitting the quick delivery of certain munitions upon need. Specific items deemed suitable for quick deployment include 155 mm rounds, artillery, and selected air defense munitions. Local allied nations such as Germany and Poland have also aided Ukraine with maintaining and training on the equipment sent to the battlefield.
Important maintenance hubs, such as the one established by Germany near the Ukrainian border to service Ukraine’s Leopard 2 tank fleet, have significantly decreased turnaround times for essential repairs on Western-based equipment.
For more information on Russia’s war in Ukraine, visit https://apnews.com/hub/ukraine
