For the reason that unlawful Russian invasion of Ukraine simply over a yr in the past, the U.S. has offered greater than $32.5 billion of safety help within the type of navy {hardware} and ammunition. Allies and companions have additionally offered navy {hardware}.
However the U.S., its companions and allies have offered extra than simply gear, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Power Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder mentioned throughout a briefing right now. Additionally on provide has been substantial coaching to organize Ukrainians to make good use of the tools that is been equipped.
“Since Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in 2022, U.S. European Command, U.S. Military Europe and Africa and Safety Help Group Ukraine have educated greater than 7,000 members of the Ukrainian armed forces,” Ryder mentioned. “Simply this week, 65 Ukrainian air defenders accomplished Patriot coaching at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and have now arrived again in Europe.”
These newly educated Ukrainian troopers will return to present air protection items and are anticipated to share with fellow troopers what they’ve discovered about utilizing the Patriot system. The USA, Germany and the Netherlands have all pledged Patriot programs to Ukraine, Ryder mentioned.
“As soon as in Ukraine, the Patriot air protection system will add to Ukraine’s layered air defenses to supply safety and protect from Russia’s wanton, brutal assaults on harmless civilians and civilian infrastructure,” he mentioned.
Again in December, the Pentagon introduced that the U.S. will even present mixed arms coaching to Ukrainian troopers utilizing U.S. ranges in Germany. That coaching has been underway, and a few of it’s now coming to an in depth.
“On the shut of this month, greater than 4,000 Ukrainian troopers in two brigades — one outfitted with M2 Bradleys and one outfitted with Strykers — could have accomplished mixed arms coaching and have returned to Ukraine,” Ryder mentioned.
Extra troopers stay behind, he mentioned, to get further coaching on the Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels coaching areas. That features two motorized infantry battalions with about 1,200 Ukrainian armed forces personnel.
“Operator and upkeep coaching on donated platforms can be ongoing, with greater than 3,000 Ukrainian troopers having accomplished platform coaching in 40 totally different applications of instruction on greater than 20 programs since April of 2022,” Ryder mentioned.
Simply as many countries are offering navy {hardware} to the Ukrainians, coaching can be a multinational endeavor. Proper now, Ryder mentioned, greater than 11,000 Ukrainian troopers are receiving coaching in 26 totally different international locations.
“The U.S. will proceed to supply coaching and work intently with our allies and companions to make sure the Ukrainian folks have the safety help they should defend … their nation and repel Russian aggression,” he mentioned. “We stay dedicated to supporting Ukraine for so long as it takes.”
Black Hawk Accident
Yesterday night, 9 troopers with the Military’s a hundred and first Fight Aviation Brigade have been killed on account of a coaching accident involving two Black Hawk helicopters. The troopers and helicopters have been concerned in a deliberate coaching train close to Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Now, an aviation security group from Fort Rucker, Alabama — house of the U.S. Military Aviation Middle of Excellence — has been deployed to analyze, Ryder mentioned.
“On behalf of Secretary Austin and the Division of Protection, I want to provide our heartfelt condolences to the households, pals and colleagues of the 9 U.S. Military troopers assigned to the a hundred and first Airborne Division who sadly misplaced their lives final night time when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed outdoors of Fort Campbell, Kentucky,” Ryder mentioned. “Our ideas and prayers are with the households, items and all these affected by this tragedy.”