Key facts
- Ukraine expects to receive additional PAC-3 interceptors for its Patriot air defense systems.
- A timeline for the delivery of these missiles has not yet been established.
- President Zelensky stated that securing Patriot supply and production is Ukraine's top priority.
- Ukraine is pursuing a U.S. license to manufacture Patriot systems domestically.
- The country is also seeking missile funding from Europe and additional missiles from partners.
- A recent Russian attack on Kyiv, which Ukraine could not fully intercept, underscored the air defense crisis.
Ukraine anticipates receiving more PAC-3 interceptors for its Patriot air defense systems from international partners, though President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on July 9 that no specific delivery dates have been set. This comes as Ukraine faces a critical shortage of air defense munitions, leaving its infrastructure vulnerable to Russian attacks.
Zelensky stated that securing the supply and production of Patriot systems is Ukraine's foremost priority, with efforts underway on multiple fronts. These include seeking a license from the U.S. for domestic manufacturing, securing funding from Europe through the PURL program to acquire PAC-3 and PAC-2 missiles, and collaborating with European partners for additional missile supplies. He also indicated that a support package from the U.S. is expected in the coming days.
The urgency for these systems was highlighted by a recent Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv on July 6, during which Ukraine's depleted reserves of PAC-3 interceptors were insufficient to counter all incoming threats. The attack resulted in at least 26 fatalities and dozens of injuries. Zelensky urged Ukrainian technical teams to expedite preparations for domestic Patriot system production to secure licenses as quickly as possible.