On July 11 (local time), the US Senate Military Commission approved a $500 million security grant to Ukraine, as part of the draft National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal 2026.
This is an increase from the $300 million level last year and is part of the Ukraine Security Support initiative, which will be extended until 2028 to enhance Kiev's defense capabilities in the context of the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The NDAA is an important annual policy document that stipulates the budget and powers for the US military. This year's bill was approved by the Senate Military Commission at an overwhelming rate of 26-1, reflecting a high consensus on the need to continue supporting Ukraine.
The draft is in the process of being considered at the next legislative levels. Meanwhile, the US House of Representatives kept the $300 million support level for Ukraine at its own version.
Among the notable contents, the bill banning the implementation of the controversial request in President Donald Trump's June budget proposal is to eliminate the A-10 fighter squadron. The draft clearly states that the number of A-10 aircraft must not be reduced to less than 103 in the 2026 fiscal year, to ensure the ability to support close-range firepower for combat forces.
The total proposed defense budget in the NDAA is up to 925 billion USD, of which 878.7 billion USD is allocated to the Ministry of National Defense and 35.2 billion USD to the Ministry of Energy. The bill also allows up to $6 billion in other potential emergency needs to be converted.
Not only focusing on Ukraine, the 2026 NDAA also includes measures to deal with global security challenges, including China, Iran and North Korea. The bill highlights the importance of maintaining the US military advantage through technological innovation, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence, unmanned technology and hypersonic weapons.
Observers say major defense companies such as lockheed Martin and Boeing are closely monitoring the approval of the bill, as changes in defense policy could have a major impact on military contracts and product development orientations for them.
By raising aid levels and extending the initiative to support Ukraine until 2028, the US has once again affirmed its long-term commitment to supporting Kiev amid the lack of signs of cooling down tensions with Russia.
