US provides Ukraine with armored vehicles, Patriots without long-term sustainment plan

This is stated in the report of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General.

"The DoD provided Ukraine with armored vehicles and air defense systems without a plan to ensure their long-term usefulness," said IG Storch.

This applies to Bradleys, Strykers and Abrams armored vehicles and Patriot air defense systems provided to the Ukrainian Armed Forces from January to September 2023.

Support includes adequate spare parts, ammunition and maintenance, without which Ukrainians will not be able to maintain these weapons systems in their ongoing fight against a full-scale Russian invasion.

“While the DoD is currently working on developing such a plan, the lack of foresight in this matter is concerning, and should be rectified promptly,” he emphasized.

The inspection found that the Department of Defense has provided limited spare parts, ammunition, and maintenance since the transfer of these weapons systems to Ukraine and has not coordinated or adapted these efforts to a comprehensive support plan.

• Since July last year, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has agreed on contracts worth about $10 billion, including for Patriot missiles and 155 mm ammunition.