The Race to Arm Ukraine

How and When Washington’s Aid Will Arrive in Ukraine

With Congress’ approval of the $60 billion Ukraine security aid package, the White House is now tasked with resuming the delivery of equipment, munitions, and supplies to the Ukrainian military. In accordance with standard operating procedure, the White House will segment this total figure for funding into individual aid packages. The first package announced today includes $1 billion worth of air defense missiles, HIMARS rounds, and artillery shells. President Biden stated this aid would begin its journey to Ukraine “in the next few hours”.

In the coming weeks we can expect that the White House will use portions of the funding allocated for Ukrainian security aid to address immediate needs within the Ukrainian military. Air defense systems (and their missiles) will remain in high demand as Russia continues to target cities and soft civilian targets. While Ukraine currently cannot match Russia’s total volume of artillery fire, resuming the delivery of ammunition means that Kyiv will no longer need to ration shells and munitions near the front. American forces in Europe have reportedly moved equipment into forward positions near Ukraine to expedite the process of delivering security aid.

Certain elements of this security assistance will be provided at a gradual pace over the coming months. After years of atrophy and low-demand, American military manufacturers will soon begin to receive orders to replenish stocks of artillery shells and munitions already sent to Ukraine. In addition to creating jobs and revitalizing American manufacturing, these orders will give the United States a greater likelihood of matching Russia’s military-industrial output. 

One of the most important elements of the Ukraine security aid package (and often one of the most overlooked) is the flexibility that this funding provides for the possible training and instruction of Ukrainian servicemen by American and European advisors. All the western equipment sent to Ukraine requires training for technicians, mechanics, and pilots - many of whom have only operated older Soviet-designed platforms. This funding allows for Ukrainian servicemen to receive instruction from European NATO members on the proper usage of western equipment. Additionally, American and European advisors can begin training Ukraine’s command staff and officer corps to incorporate modern, western strategies and operate as a modern NATO-standard military.