US aid package to Ukraine includes surveillance drones.

WASHINGTON: According to a senior US defence official on Friday, the most recent security support package from President Joe Biden for Ukraine includes surveillance drones and mine-resistant vehicles for the first time.

Since Russian troops began crossing into Ukraine in February as part of what Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to as a "special military operation," the conflict has devolved into an attrition battle fought mostly in the east and south of the country.

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the package will cost $775 million and contain 16 105mm Howitzer systems and more ammunition.

The package would include around 1,000 Javelin anti-tank missiles, 40 MaxxPro MRAP (mine resistant ambush protected) vehicles, and 15 Scan Eagle surveillance drones.

The official stated without going into further detail that while this is the first time the US is giving Ukraine Scan Eagle drones, Ukraine has previously received them from another nation.

The deal was initially covered by Reuters on Thursday.

This would bring the total amount of US military assistance provided to Ukraine since Russia's invasion on February 24 to $10.6 billion.