Remarkably, this rectification has unveiled a substantial sum of $6.2 billion in untapped funds.
The Pentagon’s mea culpa stemmed from an admission that the miscalculation was due to the utilization of “replacement value” instead of “depreciated value” while assessing the worth of weaponry, such as ammunition and missiles, dispatched to Kyiv. Despite the unintended mishap, Ukraine emerges as the beneficiary, gaining access to a surplus of swiftly deployable equipment from U.S. stockpiles to bolster its defenses against Russia’s ongoing incursion.
While the accounting error stirred controversy, the ramifications run deeper. These newfound funds constitute the remaining portion of the previously authorized Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), a substantial pool amounting to $25.5 billion. The PDA sanction empowered the administration to expedite the provision of emergency weaponry from U.S. reserves in critical situations.
U.S. officials are resolute in their support, revealing plans to craft a supplementary budget request that would further amplify assistance to Kyiv. The impending announcement scheduled for Tuesday will earmark the initial segment of the considerable $6.2 billion windfall derived from the authorized PDA.
This comprehensive aid package encompasses a diverse array of military assets, spanning vital mine clearing equipment, sophisticated TOW and AT4 anti-tank weaponry, an assortment of firearms, and ammunition. It also includes cutting-edge air defense interceptors, developed by Lockheed Martin Corp for the Patriot system. Moreover, the package boasts state-of-the-art Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets and potent Javelin anti-tank missiles, co-engineered by Lockheed and RTX Corp.
This robust show of solidarity reaffirms the United States’ steadfast commitment to fortifying Ukraine’s defense capabilities, even in the face of complex geopolitical dynamics.
Reporting by Mike Stone in Washington; Editing by David Gregorio.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
