US Approves $2.1 Billion Patriot Missile Sale to Ukraine
The US State Department approved the sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 missiles to Ukraine following tensions over delivery delays and US-Russia energy deals.
The United States Department of State approved the sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 missiles to Ukraine for approximately $2.1 billion. Funding for the interceptors will be sourced through the US JUMPSTART program via contributions from Canada, Germany, and Norway, alongside national funds from the European Union's Ukraine Support Loan.
The approval comes after a period of friction between President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine waited nearly a month for the sign-off while Russia intensified attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure. This delay occurred as President Trump announced a diesel deal with Russia and criticized Ukraine for continuing attacks on Russian refineries.
Lockheed Martin serves as the principal contractor for the sale. To address long-term needs, the US is working to increase missile output. This includes a $58.6 billion contract awarded to Lockheed Martin in July to triple PAC-3 MSE production capacity by 2030.
