Ukraine is set to receive Patriot missile systems annually under a long-term contract with the United States, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on October 19, as Kyiv works to accelerate deliveries and strengthen its air defenses amid continued Russian missile threats.
Ukraine is preparing a long-term contract with the United States to acquire 25 Patriot air defense systems, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced during a press briefing on October 19, according to RBC-Ukraine.
Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv has already established working contacts with the US side to advance the agreement. “We are preparing a contract for 25 Patriot systems. I believe this is a very good story—difficult, but long-term,” he said.
According to the president, the process has involved extensive coordination at multiple levels of government. Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, and National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov have led recent discussions with American counterparts.
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Zelenskyy emphasized that the delivery of all systems at once is not possible due to a production backlog and existing commitments to other countries that have already signed contracts with the manufacturer. Ukraine, he added, is negotiating with some partners to move up in the queue.
“These 25 systems will arrive each year in varying numbers,” Zelenskyy explained. “The White House can adjust the order if there is political will. We understand which European countries could provide us with this priority.”
He also noted that some Patriot batteries currently deployed in Europe are operated by US forces or allied militaries. Ukraine is open to receiving those systems ahead of newly manufactured ones if it expedites strengthening its air defense.
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“If everyone works together and there is goodwill, the White House could help us obtain these American systems already stationed in Europe,” Zelenskyy said.
Ukraine’s Air Force previously explained that one Patriot battery can intercept ballistic missiles within roughly a 25-kilometer radius, meaning several batteries are required to defend large cities.
The exact number of Patriot systems already delivered to Ukraine has not been publicly disclosed.
Earlier, Ukrainian President met with executives from US defense companies Raytheon and Lockheed Martin to discuss strengthening Ukraine’s air defense network and expediting F-16 deliveries. The talks focused on boosting Patriot production, expanding long-range strike capabilities, and enhancing cooperation between Ukrainian and American defense industries.
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