US approves $2.1 billion Patriot missile sale to Ukraine, delivery may take years

Zelenskyy welcomed the approval but warned that deliveries of 500 interceptors could take years while Russian missile attacks continue.

By idly desk, from 3 reports

31 Oct, 20:34 IST2 min read

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US approves $2.1 billion Patriot missile sale to Ukraine, delivery may take years — Image: Times of India

Key facts

Story

The US has cleared a possible sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 interceptors to Ukraine, valued at about $2.1 billion
Zelenskyy says the deliveries could take years and wants stocks from existing supplies before winter
Times of India reports that allies will pay for the deal, according to its headline

What's new

The United States has approved a potential deal to supply Ukraine with 500 Patriot PAC-3 interceptors, a type of missile used to shoot down incoming threats. The value is estimated at $2.1 billion. The US State Department announced the decision on Friday, saying the weapons would strengthen Ukraine's air and missile defence. The Guardian reports that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the decision as strong. He added that the missiles could take years to arrive, and said Ukraine needs stocks now to counter Russian ballistic missile attacks. Times of India says allies will pay for the deal.

Why it matters

The Patriot system is one of Ukraine's main defences against Russian drones and missiles. Slow deliveries could leave cities and power and heating networks exposed as winter approaches. For readers in India, the story shows how far the conflict in Ukraine is drawing in global arms sales and defence budgets.

What others say

NDTV describes Patriot missiles as among the most important weapons Ukraine has for intercepting Russian drones and missiles. Times of India reports that Zelenskyy has asked for a winter support package with immediate supplies from existing stocks. It also says European countries face difficulty balancing support for Ukraine with their own defence needs.

What we don't know yet

The sources do not say when the first missiles would be delivered, or how the deal would be financed beyond the allies' payments mentioned by Times of India. It is also unclear whether the requested winter package from existing stocks will be agreed.