US Strengthens Ukraine's Defense With Additional Assistance Of IDR 31 Trillion

JAKARTA - The United States announced a series of the latest US$2.1 billion aid packages to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities against the Russian invasion that has been taking place since February 2022.

The aid packages include air defense systems and HAWK missiles, 105mm and 203mm artillery shells, Puma unmanned aerial systems, laser guided rocket system ammunition, additional ammunition for Patriot's air defense systems, as well as support for training and maintenance, the US Department of Defense said on its website.

"The United States is also continuing to work closely with allies and partners to provide Ukraine with additional capabilities to defend itself," the Pentagon said as reported by ANTARA, Friday, June 9.

OverallWashington has provided security assistance worth more than US$40.4 billion (Rp600.43 trillion) to Ukraine since the beginning of Joe Biden's administration, the Pentagon said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously been passionate about calling on Western allies to supply advanced fighter jets to support Ukraine's defense against the Russian invasion. However, Kiev has not yet been committed to obtaining F-16 fighter jets.

However, President Joe Biden, last month at the Tujuh Negara Kaya (G7) Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, confirmed Washington supports joint efforts to train Ukrainian pilots to operate fourth-generation fighter aircraft such as the F-16.