The United States and Germany will provide additional military equipment to Ukraine, Reuters reported in a joint statement from the two countries on Thursday, following a telephone conversation between US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The United States will supply Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, while Germany will supply Marder infantry fighting vehicles, the two countries said.

Germany will also provide an additional Patriot air defense battery following Washington’s donation last month, the statement said, adding that both countries would welcome “further donations of air defense systems and combat vehicles” from the allies.

A new U.S. military aid package for Ukraine will include about 50 Bradley fighting vehicles, two U.S. officials said on Thursday, with one saying the package would cost about $2.8 billion, Reuters reported.

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden said he was considering sending Bradley fighting vehicles, a mainstay of the US military, to Ukraine to help fight a Russian invasion.

The latest security package for Ukraine is expected to be released on Friday, officials said.

Of the roughly $2.8 billion package, about $800 million comes from foreign military funding to help Ukraine buy weapons, one of the officials said.

The rest of the funds come from the President’s Stockpile Reduction Administration (PDA) for Ukraine, which allows the United States to quickly transfer defense assets such as Humvees, trucks and ammunition from stockpiles without congressional approval in response to an emergency expedited action.

The armored vehicle with a powerful gun, manufactured by BAE Systems Plc, has been used by the U.S. Army since the mid-1980s as a mainstay to transport troops to the battlefield.

The military has thousands of Bradleys that could give the Ukrainians more firepower on the battlefield. However, Biden will not send Abrams tanks to Ukraine, which the Ukrainians requested.

What does the American general who commanded such tanks in “Desert Storm” say.

American General Mark Hertling was Bradley’s commander in Desert Storm. “As I said a few days ago, I was commanded by Brad (Bradley) in Desert Storm. The Brad (or BMP/CFV) is NOT a tank, but it can be a tank killer… and a vehicle. (BMP=BMP, BMP=BMP).

On the turret it has: 2 TOW anti-tank missiles, a 25mm Bushmaster autocannon, a twin 7.62 caliber machine gun, all effective at long ranges. Two images of our 1990-91 CFV, Brad’s first variant, with the “poor man’s sandbags” and added luggage rack.

It was a great car. We effectively hit Iraqi tanks, armored personnel carriers and other targets. Even though it’s a tracked vehicle, it doesn’t have too many complex engine and turret issues.

Good gas mileage, top speed of about 65 kilometers per hour over rough terrain, minimal maintenance, reliable protection and firepower. The infantry variants have plenty of room in the back for soldiers.

• Read also: Why sending Bradley to Ukraine is a “great idea”

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