Ukraine to sign contracts for around 1,000 Patriot missiles with partner support and EU loan funding, defense minister says
The defense minister cautioned that the contracted missiles would take time to arrive.
Ukraine plans to sign contracts for approximately 1,000 Patriot missile systems with assistance from partner nations and financial backing from an EU loan, according to Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara. The minister disclosed this information during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Ramstein format, marking his first appearance in the role alongside Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi.
Khmara cautioned that the contracted missiles will take time to arrive, urging Ukraine's partners to supply interceptors from their existing inventories before winter. He proposed that these interceptors be replenished with upgraded missiles delivered under Ukraine’s future contracts.
The defense minister emphasized strengthening Ukraine's air defenses as a critical priority, given Russia's ongoing large-scale attacks on Ukrainian cities and vital infrastructure. A recent Russian missile and drone assault on Kyiv on September 8 resulted in the deaths of at least five people and injuries to 29 others, alongside extensive fires that blanketed the city in smoke.
In addition to seeking additional air-to-air missiles and man-portable air defense systems to counter cruise missiles and jet-powered attack drones, Kyiv is collaborating with numerous Ukrainian companies to identify affordable and scalable solutions, particularly for intercepting jet-powered Shahed drones. Some interceptors are currently undergoing combat testing, as per the minister's statement.
The European Commission is projected to approve the final 28.3-billion-euro ($33-billion) tranche of this year's defense loans for Ukraine on September 11, as EU and national diplomats revealed to the Kyiv Independent. The financing package includes approval for Ukraine to acquire U.S.-manufactured PAC-3 interceptors, which are utilized by Patriot systems to safeguard against Russian ballistic missile attacks.
EU member states have already endorsed Ukraine's request, although one procedural hurdle remains before the bloc can officially grant approval, according to information obtained from EU and national diplomats by the Kyiv Independent.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
