U.S. To Send More NASAMS, Phoenix Ghosts To Ukraine

The U.S. is sending additional high-end air defense systems, precision aerial munitions and kamikaze drones to Ukraine as part of the latest $1.3 billion aid package, the Pentagon announced July 19.

The new announcement is part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, a program by which the U.S. orders new equipment that will be sent to Ukraine on a longer term than the drawdown of existing weapons stocks. 

The announcement includes four Raytheon-Kongsberg National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and Munitions (NASAMS), an undisclosed number of precision aerial munitions and an undisclosed number of AEVEX Aerospace Phoenix Ghost and AeroVironment Switchblade one-way uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). 

The U.S. is also sending artillery rounds, mine-clearing equipment, anti-armor missiles, counter-UAS and electronic warfare equipment and vehicles. 

The announcement came one day after the 14th meeting of the U.S.-led Ukraine Contact Group, a collection of almost 50 nations that meet regularly to discuss aid for Ukraine in its war with Russia. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said after the meeting that the group is committed to supporting Ukraine amid its ongoing but slow-moving counteroffensive and in the longer term. 

Austin says Ukraine has an urgent need for ammunition, requiring an increase in production at the U.S. national level and at the multinational level through a European Union initiative to produce more munitions. 

During a July 18 press conference, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley said even though the offensive has been underway for several weeks, Ukraine has “a significant amount of combat power not yet committed.” Forces are working to slowly advance through fortified areas, including in minefields.

“Right now, they are preserving their combat power and they are slowly and deliberately and steadily working their way through all these minefields,” he says. “And it’s a tough fight. It’s a very difficult fight.”