US clears $2.1 billion sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine
What's new: Ukraine will fund the purchase with Canadian, German, Norwegian and EU-backed money, with no US funds used.
The United States approved a $2.1 billion sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors and related equipment to Ukraine, the State Department said Friday. The package also includes classified and unclassified spare parts and other logistics and program support items. Ukraine will pay for the purchase through contributions from Canada, Germany and Norway under the JUMPSTART program, along with national funds backed by the European Union's Ukraine Support Loan, according to the statement. No US money will be used. Lockheed Martin is the main contractor. The approval comes as Ukraine faces shortages in Patriot air defense missiles amid continuing Russian attacks.