US approves €2.1bn sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine

The United States has approved the sale of 500 PAC‑3 Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine, a deal valued at $2.1 billion (£1.6 billion).

The State Department said the missiles will be funded entirely by Kyiv’s allies in Europe and Canada, with contributions from Canada, Germany, Norway and the European Union’s Ukraine Support Loan under the JUMPSTART programme.

Lockheed Martin will act as the principal contractor, and the sale will not involve any US government funds.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly urged faster delivery of Patriot systems, describing them as the only effective weapon for downing Russia’s ballistic missiles. He has warned that shortages are endangering civilians as Russian attacks on energy infrastructure intensify ahead of winter.

The State Department stated the proposed sale supports US foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of a partner that contributes to political and economic stability in Europe.

The order is for newly built missiles rather than existing stock, meaning rapid delivery is unlikely given the limited annual production of about 600 units.

Source: BBC News. Photo: Phyllis Lilienthal / Pexels.