Transfer to Ukraine of 18 HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems may take up to two years - Lockheed Martin will build them from scratch

On the evening of September 28, the United States announced a new $1.1 billion military aid package for Ukraine, which included 18 HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems. This is two more than the U.S. has transferred since the end of June. But there's a nuance.

Here's What We Know

The U.S. Defense Department's website indicates that it is about medium- and long-term support for Ukraine. According to Bloomberg, unlike the previous 16 HIMARS missile systems that were transferred from Pentagon stockpiles, the new 18 systems will be built from scratch by Lockheed Martin.

The U.S. manufacturer will start production of the HIMARS under a contract as part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. It could take six months to two years to build and deliver all 18 multiple rocket launchers.

In addition to the HIMARS, the new military assistance package includes 150 tactical vehicles, 40 trucks, 80 heavy weapons trailers, 150 Humvee armored vehicles, 20 general purpose radars, two drone detection radars, 12 UAV suppression vehicles and additional equipment.

Source: Bloomberg

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