Summary and Key Points: The United States has provided over $56 billion in military aid to Ukraine, including $55.4 billion since Russia's large-scale invasion in February 2022. This support has focused heavily on artillery, with the U.S. sending more than 200 M-777 howitzers, 40 M142 HIMARS systems, and millions of shells, including precision-guided munitions. The U.S. has also supplied Ukraine with 400 million bullets and anti-tank weapons.

-While the U.S. leads in support, key allies have also played vital roles. The U.K. was the first to send main battle tanks and long-range cruise missiles, inspiring similar contributions from Germany and France.

-Germany has also provided critical air defense systems, while a coalition of European nations pushed for the delivery of F-16 fighter jets, which Ukraine recently received. The U.S., along with its allies, continues to provide essential military aid, bolstering Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.

Inside the U.S.'s $56 Billion Military Aid to Ukraine: A Breakdown of Support

The United States has committed over $56 billion in military aid to Ukraine over the past four years, including $55.4 billion since the Kremlin launched its large-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. 

A few facts stand out about America’s support of the Ukrainian military. 

Artillery, Bullets, and Anti-Tank Weapons

Artillery is the king of the battle. Most casualties in the war have been caused by artillery fire. As such, the U.S. has made sure to send guns and shells to Ukraine in bulk. 

Specifically, the Pentagon has sent or committed to sending to Kyiv more than 200 M-777 155 mm howitzers, 72 105 mm howitzers, 40 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, and close to 4.5 million 203 mm, 155 mm, 152 mm, 130 mm, 122 mm, and 105 mm shells. 

Among these artillery rounds are some specialized munitions like the M982 155 mm Excalibur precision-guided shell, the 155 mm Remote Anti-Armor Mine system, and cluster munitions. The demands of the conflict are high, and the Ukrainian forces need more artillery still. 

When it comes to small arms and anti-tank weapons, the U.S. has provided over 400 million bullets, 40,000 grenade launchers, and approximately 140,000 anti-tank weapons, including FGM-148 Javelins, AT-4s, and Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided missiles. 

Not Alone 

By the numbers, America is by far Ukraine’s biggest supporter, but several other countries have provided important security assistance. Sometimes, these countries provide new types of weapons and munitions even before the U.S. 

The United Kingdom was the first to commit main battle tanks to Ukraine. When it committed to sending Challenger 2 MBTs, London broke through a debate among NATO members and inspired Germany to send Leopard MBTs, while the U.S. sent the M1 Abrams. 

Moreover, London was the first to commit long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine (Storm Shadows), which finally allowed for precision strikes against Russian targets deep behind the frontlines. France followed soon thereafter by sending its own SCALP-EG cruise missiles to Ukraine.

In addition, Germany has provided important air defense capabilities to Ukraine. These help defend against countless missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian urban centers and critical infrastructure. Berlin has provided three MIM-104 Patriot and six IRIS-T air defense systems with the necessary munitions and sensors. 

Furthermore, a group of countries including the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway pushed hard for the delivery of F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets to the Ukrainian Air Force, despite reservations in the U.S. After many months of debate, Kyiv received its first F-16s this week, with more on the way. 

The U.S. has been leading the international effort to provide Ukraine with the necessary tools to fight Russia’s invasion, but it is lucky to have strong allies and partners in its efforts.

About the Author: 

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.

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