US approves sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 missiles to Ukraine
Photo: Patriot air defense system (Getty Images)
The United States has approved the sale of missiles for Patriot air defense systems and related equipment to Ukraine for $2.1 billion, according to the US State Department and a post by Politico journalist Paul McLeary.
"The US Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Ukraine for purchase of PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles and related equipment," the statement said.
In addition to the missiles, the package will include classified and unclassified spare parts for PAC-3 MSE systems. It will also cover the delivery of other necessary logistical elements and program support.
The State Department emphasized that the deal would help strengthen US national security and foreign policy objectives. It would support the security of a partner country that is a force for political and economic stability in Europe.
"The approval means contract negotiations start now, so the missiles likely won’t arrive for years," McLeary noted.
NATO's top military commander, General Alexus Grynkewich, said the United States continues to supply Ukraine with Patriot air defense missiles and weapons packages funded by European partners under the PURL initiative without any delays.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine had been waiting for almost a month for Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth to sign off on the supply of missiles for Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems.
The total value of the deal is $2.1 billion, and it is being funded by European partners and allies.
