Ukraine is waiting for Patriot missiles. Deliveries will take a few years, Zelensky appeals

In his post on the X platform, Zelensky emphasized that the decision of the US State Department is an important step, but Ukraine's needs are immediate.

"Five hundred PAC-3 interceptor missiles are a significant number that COULD constitute a highly effective defense system very soon - this winter. However, it has been determined that deliveries may begin ONLY IN A FEW YEARS," wrote the President of Ukraine.

Zelensky appealed to Western allies to find a solution that will allow Ukraine to effectively defend itself against Russian attacks in the coming months. "We are asking our American partners to find a solution in time when there is a real threat and a real need to use PAC-3 interceptor missiles," he added.

Appeal for missiles from allied warehouses

The Ukrainian president noted that both the United States and European countries have a sufficient number of missiles in their warehouses that could be transferred to Ukraine immediately. In return, Kiev undertakes to take delivery of the new missiles as soon as they are produced and delivered under the approved contract.

The U.S. Department of State has approved the sale of 500 PAC-3 MSE missiles at a total cost of up to $2.1 billion. Financing will be provided by European countries, Canada and the European Union. According to American officials, these missiles are to be produced and delivered only in 2030.

Currently, Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of PAC-3 missiles, produces about 500 of them per year, but by 2030 it plans to increase production to 3,000 pieces per year. Meanwhile, US missile stocks have been severely depleted during recent conflicts. According to data from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, there are approximately 800 Patriot missiles left in the US arsenal.