Air-to-Ground Munitions in Latest U.S. Arms Supply to Ukraine

The Pentagon has announced the inclusion of air-to- ground munitions in its latest $425 million arms donation to Ukraine.

While not specified, these could be GBU guided bombs for release from F-16s that Ukraine is inducting into its air force.

The Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package, the sixty-ninth round of assistance authorized by the Biden Administration, includes a range of eaponry and equipment drawn from U.S. Department of Defense inventories.

The package includes munitions for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and Stinger missiles, both of which have been central to Ukraine’s air defense strategy. These systems are intended to counter aerial threats posed by Russian missiles and drones. Alongside this, the new assistance will deliver counter-unmanned aerial systems (c-UAS) equipment and munitions designed to mitigate the impact of drone attacks—a tactic increasingly used by Russian forces.

To meet Ukraine’s artillery needs, the DoD is providing munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), as well as 155mm and 105mm artillery shells. Since the beginning of the conflict, HIMARS systems have been a critical component for Ukraine in targeting and disrupting Russian formations and supply lines. Additionally, the package includes Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) missiles, Javelin anti-armor missiles, and AT-4 anti-armor systems.

Among the equipment being sent are Stryker Armored Personnel Carriers, which offer mobility and protection for Ukrainian troops in active conflict zones. The package also includes a range of small arms, ammunition, and essential medical equipment to support Ukrainian forces on the ground. Furthermore, demolitions equipment and munitions are included, which can be used to disrupt enemy positions or create defensive barriers.