Pentagon to buy interceptors for Ukraine’s Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems

The US Department of Defense has announced the purchase of interceptors for the Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems for Ukraine for $2.2 billion, the Pentagon said in a statement.

The US Department of Defense, in particular, announced the purchase of a significant package of air defense interceptors using about $2.2 billion under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).

The statement said, “Ukraine will be provided with the interceptors it urgently needs to protect its people and critical infrastructure against Russia’s aerial attacks.”

The agency reminded us that the Biden administration plans to accelerate the delivery of these weapons by changing the priority of future deliveries to Ukraine under the Foreign Military Sales program.

“As a result, Ukraine will receive the interceptors it urgently needs to protect its people and critical infrastructure from Russian air attacks,” the statement said.

The White House has also announced a new $150 million military aid package for Ukraine, White House spokesperson Karin Jean-Pierre said during a briefing. 

“It includes missiles for air defense, ammunition for HIMARS, artillery shells, and other critical capabilities taken from the U.S. Army’s stockpile,” the spokeswoman said.

The package also includes funding for the Defense Ministry to buy interceptors to defend Ukraine’s front-line troops and cities from Russian air attacks.

The previous package of military aid to Ukraine, worth $225 million, was announced on June 7.