US weapons shortage limits Ukraine aid despite available funds
3 Min Read
Despite the Biden administration having nearly $6 billion available under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) to assist Ukraine, it faces constraints due to the lack of available weapons in storage.
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Training missiles await transport to the ships magazine in front of an F/A 18 Hornet on the deck of the nuclear powered aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman, off the coast of Florida, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009 (AP)
CNN reported on Monday that a reduction in US weapons stockpiles has led to more modest aid packages being sent to Ukraine in recent months, as confirmed by several US officials.
"We have $5.9 billion left in Ukraine Presidential Drawdown Authority; all but $100 million of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. DOD is working with Congress to seek an extension of PDA authorities beyond the fiscal year's end, " a Pentagon statement read.
Despite the Biden administration having nearly $6 billion available under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) to assist Ukraine, it faces constraints due to the lack of available weapons in storage.
The report further explains that the PDA is at risk of expiring on September 30 unless Congress acts to extend the deadline, allowing more time to utilize the remaining funds.
A contributing factor to the limited assistance provided to Ukraine includes the US's cautious approach not to compromise its own military readiness and a policy against overwhelming Ukraine with more weapons than it can effectively manage and distribute.
Read more: Next Ukraine conference likely to be held before US election: Swiss FM
Earlier in September, Reuters indicated that the US State Department is seeking to integrate an extension for PDA funding into a temporary funding bill, which Congress must pass by the end of the month to avert a government shutdown.
The Biden administration is also contemplating a backup strategy to allocate the PDA funds in a significant package, potentially delaying the timing of the aid's delivery, the report added.
As of 2024, the United States has committed over $75 billion in various forms of "aid" to Ukraine since the start of the conflict with Russia in 2022.
The conflict has led to increased production of weapons and defense systems, benefiting US defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.
US liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Europe have also surged as the EU seeks alternatives to Russian energy, thus reducing European dependence on Russian gas and creating a new market for US energy producers.
Militarily-wise, the Ukraine war has allowed the US to observe how its weapons and defense systems perform in a high-stakes, modern battlefield scenario.
It has also has given the US and its allies insight into modern warfare tactics, such as cyberattacks, drone usage, and disinformation campaigns.
Read more: 5 ex-defense secs urge Starmer to let Kiev fire UK missiles on Russia
