Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
US greenlights $2.1bn Patriot missile package for Ukraine
The United States has approved the sale of 500 advanced Patriot missiles to Ukraine as the country faces intensifying Russian air assaults. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cautioned that deliveries could span several years.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
The US State Department has authorised the supply of 500 PAC-3 interceptor missiles to Ukraine in a $2.1 billion defence package aimed at bolstering the nation's air defence capabilities amid relentless Russian aerial bombardment.
The advanced Patriot missiles represent a significant addition to Ukraine's arsenal as Moscow continues its campaign of strikes against civilian and military infrastructure across the country. The PAC-3 variant is specifically designed to intercept and destroy aircraft and incoming aerial threats.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky struck a cautionary note regarding the timeline for receiving the weaponry. In comments on the approval, Zelensky indicated that the full delivery of the missile systems could require "several years," suggesting a phased approach to transferring the munitions.
The sale underscores continued American commitment to supporting Ukraine's defence against Russian aggression, though the extended delivery schedule highlights the logistical challenges involved in equipping the country with advanced Western military systems on an urgent basis.
The approval follows sustained Ukrainian requests for enhanced air defence capabilities as Russia has escalated attacks on infrastructure, power generation facilities, and civilian areas throughout the conflict.