KYIV — Ukraine has received a new batch of AIM missiles and several additional Patriot interceptor missiles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a joint press conference with Estonian President Alar Karis in Kyiv.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine also received confirmation from an unnamed partner for the transfer of several French-made Crotale air defense systems and missiles. He did not identify the supplying countries or provide exact quantities.
Ukraine uses AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles with F-16 fighter jets and ground-based NASAMS air defense systems against cruise missiles, drones and aircraft. Patriot systems in Ukrainian service use PAC-2 missiles against aerodynamic targets and PAC-3 interceptors for direct kinetic interception of ballistic missiles.
Crotale is a short-range surface-to-air system designed to engage low- and very-low-altitude targets. Its engagement range is generally reported at 10–16 kilometers, with an operating altitude of about 15 meters to 6 kilometers. Ukraine has previously received Crotale systems from France.
New European Defense Agreements
Zelenskyy also announced broader defense and financial agreements with European partners.
Norway has confirmed approximately $9 billion, or 85 billion Norwegian kroner, in support for Ukraine in 2027 through its Nansen Support Programme. Norway and Ukraine also agreed on strategic cooperation in drones and other defense technologies.
The two countries are also cooperating on FREYJA, a Ukrainian-led European anti-ballistic missile project. Norway is expected to help finance the rapid establishment of the project's development office.
Sweden is providing financial support for Ukrainian drone production, while Ukraine and Latvia have agreed on joint drone manufacturing. Zelenskyy said approximately 90% of drones produced under the cooperation will be allocated to Ukraine.
Ukraine and Norway have also formalized a strategic partnership focused on drone technologies.
Regional and Sectoral Support
Belgium and Denmark are directing recovery assistance toward Ukrainian regions, with Denmark focusing on Mykolaiv. Estonia is supporting Zhytomyr, while Germany has approved a separate support package for Ukraine's energy sector.
Germany and Belgium will also contribute to programs supporting war veterans.
Zelenskyy thanked Estonia for maintaining military support at 0.25% of its GDP and committing to continue that level the following year, in addition to separate funding for drone programs. Defense support from Lithuania and Finland was also confirmed in recent days.
Ukraine's air defense requirements remain a major focus of cooperation with its partners. Zelenskyy has previously said Kyiv needs a larger share of Patriot interceptor production to protect its airspace and critical infrastructure, particularly ahead of the winter period.
The latest deliveries and agreements combine immediate air defense assistance with longer-term cooperation in missile defense, drone production, energy security and defense financing.
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