The intensity of conflict in the 21st century and the need for weapons and ammunition has been a learning experience for US defense officials working to supply Ukraine for its fight against Russia.

William A. LaPlante, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, said the need “really goes beyond anything we’ve seen in recent memory.”

LaPlante spoke at a press conference at the Pentagon this afternoon. He said European allies see the same situation and are all working together to provide Ukrainians with what they need.

The United States uses several different financing vehicles to ship arms and ammunition to Ukraine after Russia invaded the country on February 24.

One account — the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative — testifies to this need. As part of this, the United States sent $61.4 million in communications equipment to Ukraine. Another $19.7 million was invested in Puma unmanned aerial vehicles and $17.8 million in Switchblade unmanned aerial vehicles.

It’s not just weapons systems and ammunition. Under this program, the Department of Defense sent $2 million worth of twins to Ukraine, $1.2 million in meals and ready-to-eat rations, and $4.9 million in medical supplies.

Many of the systems the Ukrainians used against the Russians, such as the Javelin anti-armour systems and the Stinger air defense systems, came from Army and Marine Corps war stocks. Those stocks need to be replenished, and LaPlante said the goal is to eventually replace systems on a one-for-one basis when possible.