KYIV — Ukraine is signing contracts for approximately 1,000 missiles for its U.S.-designed Patriot air-defense systems, supported by partner countries and financing from a €90 billion European Union Ukraine Support Loan, Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara said at the 36th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Ramstein, Germany.
Most of the missiles will arrive only in the coming years. To address the immediate air-defense requirement ahead of winter, Khmara asked allies to transfer 300 Patriot interceptor missiles from their existing stockpiles. Ukraine would later replenish those stocks with improved missiles delivered under its new contracts.
Kyiv is also requesting 500 air-to-air missiles capable of countering cruise missiles, additional MANPADS, and funding for drones. Khmara said these capabilities are needed against ballistic missiles, jet-powered Shahed drones and cruise missiles.
EU financing for Patriot missiles
The procurement is linked to the EU's €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan. EU member states agreed to a derogation allowing Ukraine to use the loan to purchase U.S.-made Patriot interceptors because European suppliers cannot currently meet the required volume.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the next €3.2 billion tranche would help Ukraine strengthen its air defenses. A further €8.4 billion has already been disbursed under the loan program, including for air defense, while the technical decision on the latest allocation is expected to be finalized shortly.
Ukraine reports $27 billion funding gap
Khmara also reported a €23 billion ($27 billion) defense-financing shortfall, much of which is needed to maintain drone supplies through the end of 2026 and into early 2027. He said up to 90% of Ukraine's battlefield success depends on drones.
Partners have provided €62 billion of the €70 billion in security assistance pledged at a summit in Ankara, leaving €8 billion still required. Khmara urged partners to make the necessary financial decisions by November so the additional support can affect the battlefield this winter.
Meanwhile, dozens of Ukrainian companies are developing lower-cost systems to intercept jet-powered Shahed drones, with some already undergoing combat testing.
Germany and UK announce additional support
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Germany would urgently send Patriot PAC-2 interceptors from its stockpiles and increase deliveries of AIM-9 air-to-air missiles. He also called on other partners to examine their stocks and provide similar assistance.
The UK separately committed £100 million to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses, including U.S. military equipment such as Patriot interceptors, large-calibre ammunition and drones.
Khmara said Russia has made no strategic gains along the approximately 1,200-kilometer (750-mile) frontline, but has increased attacks against Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. Russia resumed near-constant drone and missile attacks on Kyiv on Tuesday after a brief pause during a visit by U.S. peace negotiators. Ukrainian officials reported five people killed in the capital and additional casualties in other regions.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said allies must increase material support to help Ukraine defend itself in the air and take advantage of opportunities across the battlefield.
The latest measures combine long-term contracts for about 1,000 Patriot missiles with urgent requests for interceptors from allied stockpiles as Ukraine prepares for another winter of Russian missile and drone attacks.
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