The US State Department has announced the possible approval of a sale to Ukraine of 500 Patriot PAC-3 MSE interceptor missiles, along with related equipment and maintenance services. The total value of the package reaches approximately $2.1 billion.
Funding and terms of the deal
It is important to note that the deal will be fully financed by Ukraine's allies and partners. US budget funds will not be used. The funds will be provided by Canada, Germany and Norway through the US JUMPSTART program, as well as by the European Union under the Ukraine Support Loan credit program.
The main contractor for this delivery will be Lockheed Martin.
Significance for Ukraine's defense
According to the State Department, the arrival of the missiles will allow Ukraine to keep its existing Patriot systems operational and strengthen protection against air attacks, including ballistic missiles.
Limitations and delivery timelines
Despite the State Department's approval, this does not mean an immediate contract or the start of deliveries. The deal must go through all the approval procedures required under US law. In addition, as Reuters reports citing sources, the missiles have yet to be produced, so deliveries may only begin in the 2030s.
The sale decision was made amid reports that the Ukrainian army has faced a shortage of interceptor missiles.
