As already reported by RID, US Army leaders have publicly requested lawmakers to approve a supplemental spending bill, to improve the national artillery production lines.

Now, in accordance with senior service officials, the Army also needs more money to replenish its stocks of combat vehicles. This info has been indirectly confirmed by the Army Acquisition Chief, Doug Bush, during the Reagan National Defense Forum (1-2 December 2023).

In detail, the $105 billion supplemental budget request to the Congress, sent in October, to cover military expenditures for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific, included $18 billion destined to replace defense articles taken from US stocks and cover defense services. Part of the amount is planned to support the Army to replace some of the BRADLEY IFV, STRIKERS, and M-113/M-117 already sent to Kiev. The US has committed more than $44.9 billion in security aid to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden Administration, including $44.2 billion since the beginning of Russia’s unprovoked and brutal invasion on February 24, 2022.

The US DoD released an official fact sheet, listing all the items provided to support Ukraine. The list, regarding combat vehicles, reports:

- 186 BRADLEY (+4 Fire Support Team)

- 189 STRIKER

- 300 M-113 armored personnel carriers

- 250 M-1117 armored security vehicles

The replacements have been ordered either one-to-one or as newer variants, as for the M-113 which the Army expects to replace with the new Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV).

Army’s Program Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems, Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean, declared that supplemental requested dollars will also be crucial for ensuring that the Army can continue delivering combat vehicle spare parts to Ukraine. Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, also underlined the importance of not halting financial support for Ukraine to not jeopardize allies' and partners' perception of the USA, and its national strategy in the old continent. 

The supplemental funds request should be closely being approved after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President Joe Biden last week, to discuss the Congress’ impasse over more aid in the war with Russia. During the visit to Washington, Zelenskyy also met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who has been the biggest obstacle to Biden's aid request.