Pentagon Asks the Arms Industry for New Weapons for Ukraine

In its effort to send more weapons into Ukraine, the Pentagon has put out an open call to the arms industry to offer weapons and other systems that could rapidly be delivered to the country.

On SAM.gov, a website for federal contracts, the Pentagon posted a Request for Information (RFI) on new weapons that could be used by Ukraine. The post is the latest example of the Defense Department’s close coordination with the arms industry, which stands to gain long-term benefits from the war.

In the post, the Pentagon asks the industry to “Describe the weapon, product, or system you believe could assist the Ukrainian military.” It asks for a timeline of how fast the weapons could be delivered, and what capabilities the arms best support.

The types of weapons and systems the Pentagon seeks information on include air defense, anti-armor, anti-personnel, coastal defense, counter-battery, unmanned aerial systems, and communications equipment.

“The department is interested in learning about and discussing novel solutions, including from non-traditional weapons makers,” Pentagon spokesperson Jessica Maxwell told Defense News.

The Pentagon is also requesting information on whether the weapons are currently in production and if the Ukrainian military would require training to use them. The US recently began training Ukrainian forces on how to use Howitzers, which the US started sending to Kyiv for the first time earlier this month.