A senior U.S. defense official told reporters that the new part would take “several years” to build and deliver, underscoring efforts to provide Ukraine’s long-term defense infrastructure while allies and partners accelerated tailoring. Customized equipment and ammunition packs to meet the most pressing needs. HIMARS represents “a core component of Ukraine’s future combat power,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the Pentagon.
Separately, the Pentagon said Wednesday that the United States intends to increase production of “land-based long-range firepower, air defense systems, air-to-surface munitions and other capabilities” to sustain Ukraine’s military over the long term. Nearly 20 other countries have also agreed to expand their industrial bases and accelerate production of weapons that could replace Russian and Soviet-era equipment in Ukraine with modern systems used by NATO, defense officials said in a statement.
The announcement comes as Russia is pressuring as many as 300,000 conscripts to replace and strengthen struggling troops pushed back by Ukraine’s offensive in the east and south. Another U.S. official told reporters that it would be a challenge for the Kremlin to prepare these new units, given the logistics required to supply and train them. The official said many of the Russian troops who will be training conscripts are already “in Ukraine.”
The latest weapons package, which includes weapons and equipment, will take six months to two years to deliver, the first defense official said, and requires defense contractors to restart or ramp up manufacturing.
Ukraine will also receive 150 additional armored Humvees, which will allow troops to transport infantry during offensive operations and maneuver on the battlefield, and more than 200 vehicles will help them transport heavy equipment, a logistical challenge posed by the supply of large quantities of heavy equipment arms.
The package also includes systems designed to mitigate the Russians’ effective use of weapons, including radars that can detect incoming artillery and drones.