Ukraine to Contract 1,000 Patriot Missiles with EU Funding and Ally Support

Ukraine is preparing to sign contracts for approximately 1,000 missiles for Patriot air defense systems, according to Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara. The procurement is being supported by partners and funded through a European Union loan. During a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Khmara noted that most of these missiles will take years to arrive. Consequently, he urged allies to provide interceptors from their existing stockpiles to protect Ukraine before winter, proposing that these stocks be replenished by the upgraded missiles from the new contracts.

Germany announced it will send PAC-2 missiles from its own stockpiles to assist Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that an exception to procurement rules was approved to allow Ukraine to use EU loan funds for these critical components. The European Commission is expected to approve a final tranche of defense loans on September 11, which includes funding for U.S. made PAC-3 interceptors.

These efforts come as Russia continues large scale attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. A missile and drone attack on Kyiv on September 8 killed at least five people and injured 29 others. In addition to the Patriot missiles, Kyiv is seeking air to air missiles and man portable air defense systems. Khmara also mentioned a 27 billion dollar financing shortfall for drone supplies and noted that Ukrainian companies are testing affordable solutions for intercepting jet powered Shahed drones.