"Continue Arms Supply" Biden Urges Additional Support for Ukraine

At Lockheed Martin Factory: "Urgent Need for 42 Trillion Won Budget Proposal"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] On the 3rd (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden urged Congress to swiftly pass a $33 billion (approximately 42 trillion KRW) budget bill for additional support to Ukraine.

President Biden visited the Lockheed Martin Alabama plant, which produces conventional weapons such as Javelin anti-tank missiles supplied to Ukraine, and said, "I hope Congress urgently processes the budget bill so that Ukraine can continue to succeed against Russia's aggression."

He praised the Javelin as one of the most effective weapons against Russia's invasion. The Javelin, a portable missile weighing about 22 kg, is recognized as a key factor in effectively repelling Russian tank attacks due to its excellent mobility.

Biden's visit came amid growing concerns about whether sufficient preparations can be made if conflicts arise in other regions such as North Korea and Iran due to the large-scale weapons support to Ukraine. The Biden administration has deployed more than 5,500 Javelins from U.S. stockpiles to Ukraine so far.

The Financial Times reported, "As the U.S. rapidly sends Javelins and portable surface-to-air missiles like Stinger to Ukraine, attention is focused on whether it can maintain its domestic weapons stockpile," adding, "Production of these weapons has been limited in recent years, and experts and industry insiders believe it will take time to expand production lines."

President Biden also raised his voice that legislation related to investment in research and production of U.S.-made semiconductors must be passed to continue direct weapons support to Ukraine. He said, "The Javelin requires more than 200 semiconductors."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.