Ukraine Signs Contracts for Nearly 1,000 Missiles for the Patriot System, According to the Ministry of Defense

Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara made this statement at the start of a meeting of the Contact Group on Ukrainian Defense in the “Ramstein” format, according to Interfax-Ukraine.

At the same time, Ukraine is asking its partners to transfer missiles for the Patriot systems from their stockpiles immediately. According to the minister, most of the missiles currently being contracted for will not be delivered until the coming years.

Khmara also urged partners to make the necessary financial decisions by November so that Ukraine can meet its defense needs as early as this winter.

According to him, Ukraine has already received 62 billion euros out of the 70 billion euros pledged at this year’s NATO summit in Ankara.

At the same time, Ukraine’s total defense budget shortfall stands at 23 billion euros, or 27 billion dollars. These funds are needed, in particular, to finance the purchase of drones and ensure a steady supply this year and early next year.

In addition to missiles for the Patriot system, Ukraine is asking its partners to provide air-to-air missiles and man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). These are needed to counter jet-powered “Shaheds” and can also be temporarily used to counter cruise missiles and jet-powered drones.

The minister added that Ukraine, together with dozens of Ukrainian companies, is working to develop low-cost means of intercepting jet-powered UAVs. Some of these systems are already being tested in combat conditions.

As a reminder, European Union member states have agreed to allocate a new tranche of €3.2 billion to Ukraine for the purchase of critical components and missiles for the Patriot air defense systems. The funds will be provided under the Ukraine Support Loan mechanism, which has a total volume of €90 billion.