Western Military Aid to Ukraine in 2023-2024: Key Equipment and Weapons Delivered to Strengthen Defense Against Russian Invasion

Key Deliveries in 2023 and 2024

1. Air Defense Systems:
   • Patriot Missiles: The U.S. and Germany provided Patriot missile defense systems to protect Ukrainian cities and infrastructure from Russian missile attacks.
   • NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System): Delivered by Norway and the U.S., this system provides medium- to long-range air defense capabilities.
   • IRIS-T: Germany provided these advanced air defense systems to Ukraine to counter aerial threats, including aircraft and missiles.
2. Armored Vehicles and Tanks:
   • Leopard 2 Tanks: Several European countries, including Germany, supplied Ukraine with Leopard 2 main battle tanks, which are crucial for counteroffensive operations.
   • Challenger 2 Tanks: The UK delivered Challenger 2 tanks to support Ukraine’s armored divisions.
   • Bradley and Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicles: The U.S. and Germany sent Bradley and Marder vehicles, respectively, to enhance Ukraine’s mechanized infantry capabilities.
   • Stryker and M113 APCs: The U.S. provided hundreds of armored personnel carriers (APCs) like the Stryker and M113, aiding troop mobility.
3. Artillery and Rocket Systems:
   • HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems): These U.S.-supplied systems have been instrumental in striking Russian supply lines and command centers.
   • M777 Howitzers: Delivered by the U.S., these long-range artillery pieces have been crucial in counter-battery operations against Russian forces.
   • Ammunition: Large quantities of 155mm artillery shells and other types of munitions have been delivered by multiple countries, including joint production efforts between nations like France and Australia.
4. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs):
   • Ukraine has received numerous UAVs for reconnaissance and attack missions, with over 480 new weapons, including drones, being inducted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2024 alone. This includes both locally produced drones and imports from Western countries.
5. Anti-Tank and Anti-Aircraft Weapons:
   • Javelin and NLAW Missiles: Anti-tank guided missiles like the Javelin (U.S.) and NLAW (UK) have been widely used by Ukrainian forces to counter Russian armor.
   • Stinger Missiles: Portable anti-aircraft systems, such as Stingers from the U.S., have been critical in defending against low-flying helicopters and drones.
6. Training and Logistics Support:
   • NATO countries, particularly the U.S., UK, and EU member states, have provided extensive training for Ukrainian soldiers, including specialized training for operating Western tanks and air defense systems.

Summary of Capabilities and Impact

Ukraine’s military aid has focused on building a multi-layered defense that includes advanced air defense systems, modern armor, and artillery capabilities. The influx of UAVs has also strengthened Ukraine’s ability to conduct reconnaissance and precision strikes. This support has played a significant role in Ukraine’s ongoing counteroffensives and in bolstering its defensive posture against Russian attacks.

The diverse array of equipment, from long-range missile systems to anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons, has given Ukrainian forces the tools to adapt to different combat scenarios on the battlefield. However, despite these efforts, challenges such as ammunition supply and the integration of complex Western systems continue to present obstacles​.