CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Bhopal: Washington. The way has been cleared for Ukraine, which is facing continued Russian missile and drone attacks, to receive major military assistance from the United States. The US State Department has approved a proposal to sell 500 Patriot PAC-3 missile interceptors to Ukraine. The estimated value of the deal is $2.1 billion, or about Rs 18,000 crore. These missiles are used to destroy ballistic missiles fired by Russia in mid-air.
Canada, Germany and Norway will pay for the deal. A key feature of the agreement is that the US will not spend money from its government budget for it. Canada, Germany and Norway will make financial contributions for the purchase of the missiles. The amount will be made available through the US JUMPSTART programme. In addition, funds linked to the European Union’s Ukraine assistance loan will also be used. The responsibility for supplying and manufacturing the missiles has been assigned to US defence company Lockheed Martin.
Ukraine’s concerns have increased because of Russian attacks. Ukraine has long been facing a shortage of Patriot missiles. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently said the country urgently needs these missiles amid Russia’s continued attacks. He also appealed to the US to speed up the supply process. Russian attacks targeting energy facilities, cities and civilian areas have increased pressure on Ukraine’s air defence system.
It may take a long time for the missiles to arrive. Despite US approval, Ukraine is unlikely to receive an immediate supply of these missiles. According to reports, the missiles are yet to be manufactured and their delivery is expected in the early 2030s. Ukraine wants the US to provide some missiles immediately from its existing stockpile and later replenish its stock through new production. The proposed sale also requires review by the US Congress. In such a situation, approval cannot be considered the same as completion of supply.
US weapons stockpiles are also under pressure. While the US is providing weapons to allied countries, ammunition has also been used in military operations linked to Iran. This has increased pressure on stockpiles and production capacity for advanced air defence missiles such as the Patriot. Lockheed Martin has planned to triple production of PAC-3 MSE missiles by the end of 2030. This deal is important for Ukraine, but in the current war situation, the biggest challenge will be to ensure the timely supply of these missiles.
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