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A U.S. Army Patriot system fires a missile in a 2020 test.
The Pentagon announced July 3 that it would rush $2.2 billion worth of Patriot and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) to Ukraine ahead of other nations as part of a new package of aid for the nation.
The Biden administration is accelerating delivery of the much-needed interceptors by moving Ukraine to the front of the line ahead of foreign military sales partner nations that already had the interceptors on contract, the Pentagon said in an announcement.
“As a result, Ukraine will be provided with the interceptors it urgently needs to protect its people and critical infrastructure against Russia’s aerial attacks,” the Pentagon said in an announcement.
The White House first announced the plan on June 20, saying it was a “difficult but necessary” decision. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said at the time that Taiwan and Israel would not be affected, but he did not elaborate on the specific countries. The $2.2 billion covers hundreds of missiles, he said.
The announcement comes days before the NATO Summit is set to begin in Washington, with a major focus on the alliance’s support for Ukraine.
In addition to the interceptors, the Pentagon also announced another $150 million worth of military aid that will be delivered to Ukraine. This includes HAWK air defense missiles, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems ammunition, anti-armor missiles, mortar and artillery rounds, and other equipment.
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