Blinken: US will help Ukraine build the “army of the future”
2 June, 2023 Abrams tank. Photo from open sources The United States will help Ukraine build a powerful modern armed forces.
The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made the statement during his speech in Finland. He emphasized that Washington would continue to provide Ukraine with military aid so that the Armed Forces of Ukraine could fight against Russian aggression. The Secretary of State said that the United States would help Ukraine build "the army of the future."
This, according to him, means "modern air force, air defence and missile defense, modern tanks and armored vehicles, as well as the ability to produce ammunition, as well as training and support for the combat readiness of forces and equipment." Aid to Ukraine from Western partners is currently focused on ensuring that the Ukrainian army can regain its temporarily occupied territories and build up its defense capabilities to defend against Russian aggression in the future, should Russia dare to attack again.
M1 Abrams tank. Photo credits: U.S.
Army
As previously reported, in May, Ukrainian servicemen in Germany began training on American M1 Abrams tanks. The first group of about 400 soldiers started training on how to operate and maintain these tanks. The training program includes not only the instruction of crews to operate American tanks but also the exercise for maintenance personnel of these combat vehicles.
The training of the Ukrainian servicemen is expected to last 10 to 12 weeks. The United States will also purchase Gepard SPAAG for Ukraine.
Gepard SPAAG of the Jordanian military.
Photo credits: twitter.com/gepardtatze
According to current plans, the Ukrainian military should receive the equipment by the end of May 2024. However, the number of guns to be purchased is not specified.
Myrhorod, Safe Sky 2011 exercise. American F-16 and Ukrainian Su-27 fighters.
2011.
Ukraine.
Photo credits: poltava.to
Previously, Matthew Miller, spokesman of the US Department of State, said that providing Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets in cooperation with allies and partners was a priority for the United States.