Congress Calls for Acceleration of Large Combat Drone Supply to Ukraine

Seventeen members of Congress have urged U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to expedite the security review of the Pentagon's request for the supply of large combat drones to Ukraine, Reuters reports.

President Biden's administration's plan to sell four large armed drones to Ukraine faced challenges in June due to concerns that the drones could fall into enemy hands, according to earlier reports from Reuters.

The plan to sell MQ-1C Grey Eagle drones had previously been approved by U.S. officials.

“A thorough assessment of risks should not take place at the expense of Ukrainians’ lives,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter, calling for the timely completion of the review. The letter, signed by both Republicans and Democrats, states that “the employment of more powerful drones on the battlefield will allow Ukraine's armed forces to better maintain control of the territory.”