Shortly before welcoming President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House, the U.S. government confirmed the shipment of a new military aid package worth $8 billion to Ukraine, which includes a wide array of items, including AGM-154 JSOW glide bombs for the F-16 fighter jets transferred by Western allies to the Ukrainian Air Force. Notably, most of the package will consist of materials from the current inventories of the U.S. Armed Forces, aimed at accelerating their transfer.
In remarks from U.S. President Joe Biden: “For nearly three years, the United States has mobilized the world to support the people of Ukraine in their defense of freedom against Russian aggression, and it has been one of my administration’s top priorities to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to prevail. (…) During that time, Ukraine won the Battle of Kyiv, reclaimed more than half of the territory that Russia took at the beginning of the war, and safeguarded its sovereignty and independence. But there is more work to be done. That’s why today I announce an increase in security assistance for Ukraine and a series of additional actions to help Ukraine win this war.”
Regarding the funding for the delivery of the package, it should be noted that most will be drawn from the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), as $5.5 billion of the total commitment comes from there. The remaining funds come from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), which aims to facilitate Ukraine’s direct purchase of items from manufacturers.
On the delivery of the AGM-154 glide bombs, President Biden stated: “To enhance Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities, I have decided to provide Ukraine with AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) munitions.”
It is important to remember that these are air-to-ground bombs without a propulsion system, but they can achieve ranges of up to 70 miles when launched from high altitudes, depending on their configuration. This allows Ukrainian aviators to strike targets beyond the reach of enemy air defenses and with greater safety margins. Additionally, each bomb has a very small radar signature, making it difficult for the enemy to detect, and it complements the work of its infrared sensors that are immune to potential electronic countermeasures.
Finally, highlighting the other elements included in the aid package committed by the U.S., the delivery of munitions and technical support for Ukrainian air defense systems, drones (and components for local production), communication equipment, and supplies to increase ammunition production rates in Ukraine should be noted. As stated in the official Pentagon release, the package aims to provide “additional air defense to Ukraine, unmanned aerial systems, and air-to-ground munitions, as well as strengthen Ukraine’s defense industrial base and support its maintenance and sustainment needs.”
Images used for illustrative purposes
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