3/25/2023 0 Comments Has congress gone home![]() And, you know, we're, again, in constant communication with our Ukrainian partners and allies on the ground. I can't say the timeline, but as you know with these PDAs, we have been getting equipment and systems to Ukraine pretty quickly. SINGH: We're sending four Avenger air defense systems. Just to follow up on Tara's question, can you say how many Avenger systems we're sending and what's the timeline for. And the short answer to your question is no, we are committed to providing Ukraine with what it needs on the battlefield and what they need day-to-day and we are constantly assessing our readiness but we wouldn't have provided these Stinger missiles if we didn't feel like - that we could. SINGH: You know, again, we continue to assess our readiness. Q: Since this system also uses Stingers, are there any concerns that this is another pressure on the Stinger stockpile? They're shorter in range, but with some of the additional capabilities that we and Spain and others have provided, like the HAWK missiles, this is something that will, I think, fit in well with some of the capabilities that they're already using on the battlefield. In particular, with the four Avenger air defense systems, these are mobile, short range air defense systems that can - they can protect against cruise missiles, helicopters, unmanned aerial systems. SINGH: So again, this is one additional air defense system that we have provided, along with our partners and allies, that I think compliments some of the air defense systems that we've provided. Can you talk a little bit more about the difference that the Avenger air defense system can make in the battle now, particularly with Russian troops withdrawing from Kherson? Did the Pentagon decide to make these available now because it's winter and they can be put on high vehicle trucks? What was the thinking there? We wish them a heartfelt happy birthday and Semper Fi, Marine Corps.Īnd with that, I will take your questions. Their work on how we will operate in a contested maritime domain reflects their steadfast commitment and value to our Joint Force. As the department continues to adapt to the complex challenges of the 21st century, the Marine Corps stands ready to bring invaluable experience to the battlefield. And additional information will be forthcoming.Īnd finally, with great admiration, the department would like to take a moment to acknowledge the 247th birthday of our United States Marine Corps. This meeting will be hosted virtually here at the Pentagon and will allow for the Secretary and ministers of defense from nearly 50 countries to discuss efforts to supply Ukraine with the means to defend its sovereignty from further Russian aggression. Their service and commitment make up the strong fabric of our nation and we will never forget their sacrifices.Īlso, looking a little further ahead, next week, the Secretary will host the seventh meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. ![]() to commemorate and pay honor to our veterans. Looking ahead, tomorrow, Secretary Austin will provide remarks at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 1 p.m. You should have the release in your inbox but it will also be found on. 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. The HAWK missiles, which will be refurbished using Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds, will compliment Spain's recent commitment of HAWK launchers to help Ukraine meet this threat. With Russia's unrelenting and brutal air attacks on Ukrainian civilian and critical infrastructure, additional air defense capabilities are critical. This authorization is the Biden administration's 25th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.Ĭapabilities in this package include missiles for HAWK air defense systems, four Avenger air defense systems and Stinger missiles, additional ammunition for the HIMARS, which are the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, 21,000 155 millimeter artillery rounds, 500 precision-guided 155 millimeter artillery rounds, 10,000 120 millimeter mortar rounds, 100 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles, the Humvees, 400 grenade launchers, small arms and more than 20 million rounds of small arms ammunition, and demolition equipment for obstacle clearing, optics, and cold weather gear. So today, as you probably have already seen, the Department of Defense is announcing the authorization of a presidential drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $400 million to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs. I just have a few items to pass along at the top and then I can jump in and take your questions. DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Good afternoon, everyone.
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