US Approves Proposed Sale of 500 Patriot Interceptors to Ukraine

The US State Department approved a proposed Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine for 500 Patriot PAC-3 MSE interceptors, spare parts, and logistical and program support. The proposed transaction still requires congressional review.

Key details

• The proposed sale has an estimated value of about $2.1 billion.
• Lockheed Martin is identified as the lead contractor.
• The reported financing plan combines contributions from Canada, Germany and Norway through the US JUMPSTART program with Ukrainian funds supported by an EU loan.
• The PAC-3 MSE uses direct-impact, or hit-to-kill, technology to engage ballistic missiles and other aerial threats.

The proposed package covers 500 Patriot PAC-3 MSE interceptors.

Why it matters

The package would involve production and support of a large number of advanced interceptors by a US contractor, while drawing on funding reported from several partner countries and Ukraine. The approval marks a proposed defense export transaction rather than a completed purchase.

What happens next

Congressional review is the next step in the proposed sale process. What details about the package would you most like to see as it moves forward?