Air defense capabilities and armor are at the top of the list of assistance requested by Ukraine, but the T-72 tanks remain less modern than the German “Leopard” or “Abrams” tanks requested by Kyiv.
“These tanks come from the defense industry in the Czech Republic, and the United States will pay to renovate 45 of them, and the government of the Netherlands will make a similar commitment” to bring the number to 90 T-72 tanks, deputy Pentagon spokesman Sabrina Singh told reporters.
She added that the T-72 tanks – a tank from the Soviet era – will be equipped with “advanced optics, communications and armor”, some of which will be ready by the end of December and others to be delivered in 2023.
When asked why more modern tanks are not available, Singh cited factors including ease of use and cost.
“There are tanks that the Ukrainians know how to use in the field,” she said. “The introduction of new main battle tanks is very expensive and time-sensitive, and it will be a huge task for the Ukrainian forces.”
The package also funds the replenishment of Hawk missiles from US stockpiles, which is important for Ukraine as it seeks to repel Russian missile and drone strikes on its cities and energy infrastructure.
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