Ukraine’s need for additional air defense missiles has become increasingly urgent as Russian strikes continue targeting cities and energy infrastructure ahead of winter.
CNN previously reported that Ukraine had exhausted its supply of Patriot interceptors earlier in October, raising concerns about its ability to defend against ballistic missile attacks.
On October 30, the US State Department approved a potential $2.1 billion sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 MSE interceptors. These advanced defensive missiles are designed to destroy incoming ballistic threats.
The purchase will be financed through contributions from Canada, Germany, and Norway, along with European Union-backed funding. The US government will not provide financing for the transaction.
Despite the approval, delivery remains a significant concern. No official delivery schedule has been announced, and newly manufactured missiles could take years to arrive.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for faster shipments, including missiles from existing American stockpiles.
Ukraine is also seeking approximately 100 Patriot interceptors each month to strengthen its defenses against continuing Russian attacks.
