Strykers are sent to Ukraine with $2.5 billion, but not tanks.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. will send 90 Stryker combat vehicles and an additional 59 Bradley fighting vehicles to Ukraine, in addition to hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition, the Pentagon announced on Thursday. This is the latest aid package to help Ukraine fight Russia’s established forward lines.

The $2.5 Billion package does not contain tanks. Germany has stated that it will not send its Leopard tanks into Ukraine unless the United States sends the Abrams. The Abrams tank, propelled by a complex turbo engine similar to an airplane jet engine, is not suitable due to its frequent maintenance and fueling requirements.

The ammunition in the package will replace the U.S.-supplied HIMARS missile artillery system, NASAMS air defence systems, and Bradleys’ 25mm cannon. It also includes scores of tow rockets for Bradleys’ antitank weaponry.

U.S. currently focuses on sending mechanized infantry support for Kyiv’s forces to break through Russian defensive lines in the fierce battle for eastern Ukraine. Colin Kahl, Under Secretary of Defense Policy, told reporters Wednesday.

The Army has more than 550 Strykers available in many configurations. The first Stryker is being delivered to Ukraine. It can be modified to provide medical assistance or reconnaissance, or to act as a nuclear, biologic, and chemical response vehicle.

As the U.S. and its allies rush heavy weapons into Kyiv ahead of a Russian spring offensive, the $2.5 billion package is just one of many multibillion-dollar aid announcements for Ukraine. Since February’s Russian invasion, the total U.S. military aid to Ukraine has risen to $26.7 billion.

Lloyd Austin, Defense Secretary, is currently in Germany. He will meet Friday with representatives from the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. They are about 50 countries who coordinate the support for weapons.