Washington: The United States approved a proposed USD 2.1 billion sale of 500 Patriot air defence interceptor missiles to Ukraine, as Kyiv faces growing shortages of critical equipment needed to counter Russian aerial attacks.
The US State Department announced the approval on Friday, saying the proposed sale would strengthen Ukraine's ability to respond to current and future security threats.
The agreement covers 500 Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC 3) missiles, along with associated equipment and support services.
The proposed transaction remains subject to congressional review, and Washington did not announce a delivery timetable.
European allies to finance USD 2.1 billion purchase
According to the State Department, Canada, Germany and Norway will finance the purchase through contributions under the US JUMPSTART programme.
Additional financing will come from Ukrainian national funds, supported by the European Union's Ukraine Support Loan.
The department confirmed that no US government funds would finance the proposed purchase.
American defence manufacturer Lockheed Martin was identified as the principal contractor.
The State Department said the sale would support US foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening Ukraine's security and enhancing its integrated air and missile defence capabilities.
Zelenskyy warns missiles could take years to arrive
Despite the approval, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern about the missiles' delivery timeline.
In a statement on Friday, Zelenskyy warned that deliveries under the newly approved arrangement might not begin for several years.
He urged Washington and European partners to identify an immediate solution to Ukraine's shortage of Patriot interceptors.
The Ukrainian president suggested that allies could provide missiles from their existing inventories, with those supplies to be replenished through the new purchase.
His comments highlighted the difference between authorising a weapons sale and ensuring equipment is immediately available.
Delivery timeline remains unresolved
While the proposed agreement would provide Ukraine with 500 additional interceptors, the absence of a confirmed delivery schedule leaves uncertainty over when the missiles will become available.
The transaction must still undergo congressional review before further implementation.
With Russian attacks continuing and Ukraine warning of shortages in its existing air defence supplies, delivery timing remains a central concern for Kyiv.
The latest approval therefore offers a longer term commitment to strengthening Ukraine's defences but does not guarantee immediate relief from the country's current shortages.
