Ukraine’s urgent air-defense need drives US greenlights for 2 Patriot missile sale worth $2.1bn
A major proposed weapons deal
The Patriot system is described as the most effective weapon for countering fast-moving ballistic missiles. Ukraine has repeatedly said it needs more interceptors as Russia launches growing waves of missiles at the country.
Delivery expected in the 2030s
The missiles have not yet been manufactured. Two people briefed on the US decision said deliveries are not expected until a couple of years into the 2030s. Lockheed Martin, the principal contractor, has said the deal would help it meet a commitment to triple PAC-3 production capacity by the end of 2030. The company has previously announced plans for annual production of 2,000 Patriot PAC-3 interceptors.
Concerns over weapons stocks
The proposed sale comes as the US military supplies large quantities of weapons to allies and uses substantial amounts of heavy munitions in its operations in Iran. These demands have raised concerns about inventories of key air-defence and precision-guided weapons.
Key points
- The US approved a possible sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 missiles to Ukraine for an estimated $2.1bn.
- Two people briefed on the decision said deliveries are not expected until a couple of years into the 2030s.
- Lockheed Martin is the principal contractor and says the deal would support its production expansion.
- US weapons supplies to allies and operations in Iran have prompted concerns about key munition inventories.