US to send extra HIMARS ammo to Ukraine
Ukraine is receiving more ammunition for HIMARS from the US. (Photo: Ukrainian MoD)
Ukraine is receiving more GMLRS rounds for HIMARS but air defence systems are a more pressing requirement.
The State Department on 14 October announced its 23rd drawdown on the extensive US military aid package to Ukraine.
In the latest $725 million instalment, Ukraine will receive additional GMLRS rounds for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) plus 155mm ammunition and M67 gunlaying systems.
Other equipment includes HMMWVs, undefined ‘antitank weapons’, and machine guns and ammunition.
However, Ukraine is demanding more Western assistance in the form of air defence systems as Russia steps up its bombardment of civilian targets with long-range missiles and attack drones.
A State Department spokesperson insisted that air defence remains a US ‘priority’ for Ukraine, and the official noted the transfer to date of more than 1,400 FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS ‘as well as air surveillance and multi-mission radars’.
The US has also assisted NATO allies such as Slovakia in transferring Soviet-era air defence systems to Ukraine.
Of arguably the greatest significance for Ukraine is the US order for eight new National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), which will fire AMRAAMs donated by the UK.
The NASAMS will be manufactured and delivered to Ukraine ‘as quickly as possible’, the State Department spokesperson said.
Other air defence assistance recently announced for Ukraine includes an IRIS-T system from Germany and Hawk launchers from Spain.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Growing a digital backbone: an essential capability for the multi-domain battlespace]()
Growing a digital backbone: an essential capability for the multi-domain battlespace
Future operational superiority will be defined by the ability to connect systems, data and personnel into a wider network. For armed forces, this creates the need for a digital backbone that integrates and enhances sensors and effectors of all kinds.
-
![Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat]()
Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat
Estonian-made equipment is being put through the toughest of evaluations in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers resisting the full-scale Russian invasion which began in 2022. The country has long seen the threat and is continuing to adapt for the future.
-
![Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister]()
Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister
Estonia is looking to boost its local defence industry with directed funding, industry parks, support through international orders for equipment and rapid prototyping.
-
![UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens]()
UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens
The UK has recently deployed a Type 45 destroyer to Cyprus and has bolstered its presence in the Middle East in recent weeks with supporting air power to protect neighbouring countries’ air defences.
-
![White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production]()
White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production
Intended to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran, efforts to increase the production of weapons and ammunition could expose long-standing weaknesses in the US defence industrial base.
-
![India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict]()
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
