The U.S. Defense Ministry believes that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will make a gradual transition to NATO-standard equipment in the coming years.

This was stated by U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl during a briefing.

He also emphasized that at least 50 countries have provided billions of dollars of additional security assistance to Ukraine in recent months.

Answering the question about when Ukraine will be fully integrated into the NATO-standard weapons system and able to stop using Soviet weapons, Kahl said:

“It is conceivable that years from now, Ukrainians could still be using munitions that they themselves produce. I will say though, I would anticipate that within three years, Ukraine will gradually transition to NATO-standard equipment,” the Pentagon official said.

The US Deputy Secretary of Defense added that the future combat potential of the Armed Forces will be based on a much smaller number of modern weapons systems.

“And ideally, the Ukrainian military of the future will not be rooted in dozens of different systems but in a much smaller number of systems that are easier to sustain and maintain,” Colin Kahl emphasized.

As previously reported, on August 24, US President Joe Biden congratulated Ukrainians on Ukraine’s Independence Day and announced a tranche of assistance worth $2.98 billion.

These funds will be spent on air defense systems, artillery systems and ammunition, unmanned aircraft systems, and radars in order to “continue to defend itself over the long term.”

Ukraine will receive 245,000 rounds for 155mm artillery systems and 65,000 rounds for 120mm mortars. There are also 24 counter-battery radars that must determine several enemy positions at the same time.

In addition, the Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive 6 NASAMS anti-aircraft missile systems and missiles for them.

On August 19, the United States announced a $775 million aid package to Ukraine.