The US State Department confirmed that the PAC-3 interceptor missiles would be financed by European allies and Canada, including Germany and Norway, without using American government funds. Defence contractor Lockheed Martin will oversee production.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the decision but expressed concern over delivery delays, warning that it could take several years for the missiles to reach Ukraine. The weapons will be newly manufactured, while the US currently produces approximately 600 Patriot missiles annually.

Zelensky has urged Washington to accelerate the process, saying Ukraine urgently needs the interceptors to protect its cities, energy facilities and other critical infrastructure. He also warned that Russian attacks on the country’s power grid have intensified ahead of winter.

The decision comes amid continuing diplomatic tensions surrounding efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, which began with Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Despite the approval, limited global supplies and lengthy production schedules remain significant obstacles to strengthening Ukraine’s air defence capabilities.