The United States has approved the sale of 500 advanced Patriot (PAC-3) interceptor missiles valued at $2.1 billion (£1.6 billion) to Ukraine. Reuters confirmed the development in a report on Saturday (October 31).
The US State Department sanctioned the major defense deal to strengthen Kyiv’s air defense capabilities against ongoing Russian aerial attacks. The procurement will be fully funded by Ukraine’s European allies and Canada.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly urged Washington to expedite the delivery of Patriot interceptors, widely regarded as the only fully effective defense system against Russia’s lethal ballistic missiles.
In a statement issued Friday, the US State Department noted that the proposed sale supports foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of a partner country serving as a force for political and economic stability in Europe.
Ukraine will finance the $2.1 billion purchase through funds from the European Union’s Jumpstart Program under the EU Ukraine Support Loan, supplemented by national reserves and joint contributions from Canada, Germany, and Norway.
