Pentagon: More Howitzers, Artillery Rounds, UAVs Headed to Ukraine

The Pentagon on Thursday announced that it has developed the new Phoenix Ghost drone system to meet Ukrainian needs.

The new U.S. security package for Ukraine, which was announced by President Joe Biden yesterday, includes more than 121 Phoenix Ghost systems, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

The package also includes 72 155 mm howitzers, 144,000 artillery rounds, and vehicles with which to tow the howitzers.

The Phoenix Ghost Tactical Unmanned Aerial System, according to Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby, is a system developed by the Air Force in response to Ukrainian requirements.

"Phoenix Ghost is a tactical, unmanned aerial system ... provides similar capabilities to the Switchblade series of unmanned systems — similar capabilities, but not exact," Kirby said without elaborating further on the capabilities of the drones.

The Phoenix Ghost system, he added, will likely require minimal training for Ukrainian users who are already experienced in operating other unmanned aircraft systems. "We're going to be working through those training requirements directly with the Ukrainian Armed Forces," Kirby said.

Last week Washington announced it would ship 18 howitzers to Ukraine, along with 40,000 artillery shells to go with them. The U.S. will now ship 72 additional howitzers to Ukraine and 144,000 additional shells. That brings the total number of howitzers to 90.

The latest security assistance package was also discussed during a meeting between Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at the Pentagon.

"Your support helps us to stand our ground and push the enemy back, and in doing so, to save the lives of our military and civilians," Shmyhal said, noting that Russian aggression has been directed mostly at civilians.

He also mentioned Russia's new phase in the war as it shells eastern and southern Ukraine with airstrikes and long-range fires.

"There is no doubt that we will win this fight," he said. But to end it sooner, more powerful and modern weapons are needed. "We need a continuous supply of firepower," he said, listing long-range fires, artillery, multiple launch rocket systems and other systems. "Such weapons would give us a big advantage."

Austin, in his turn, said that Washington will continue to support Ukraine's urgent requirements "for today's battles and tomorrow's victory".

"I know what painful days these are for Ukraine. Your people are suffering terribly after Russia's cruel and unjust invasion. But the world has been inspired by your courage as you fight for your independence and for your democracy. And you do not stand alone... The United States stands firmly in solidarity with Ukraine's armed forces and its people," Austin said.

Alex Raufoglu

Washington D.C.