EU countries have agreed to let Ukraine use European loan money to buy US-made missiles for its Patriot air-defence systems. The exception comes as Kyiv and its allies prepare contracts for almost 1,000 Patriot missiles.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the agreement alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Tuesday. “The next disbursement of €3.2 billion will enable Ukraine to better protect its skies from Russia’s indiscriminate attacks,” she said.
Ukraine and its allies are concluding contracts for almost 1,000 Patriot missiles, Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara said. The purchases will receive support from European partners and the EU loan, although the delivery schedule was not disclosed.
The Commission is expected to approve Ukraine’s request to spend more than €2 billion on US-made PAC-3 interceptors on 11 September, Kyiv Independent reported. EU governments have already approved the required exemption from procurement rules favouring European and Ukrainian weapons.
Immediate needs override European preference
The funding comes from the EU’s €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan for 2026 and 2027. Approximately €60 billion supports defence procurement, while €30 billion helps Ukraine maintain public services and economic stability.
The loan normally prioritises weapons produced in Ukraine, the EU or participating partner countries. Products from elsewhere can generally account for no more than 35% of a purchase’s value. Because manufacturers produce PAC-3 interceptors in the United States, Ukraine needed a formal exception before using the money to buy them. EU governments have now approved that exception. The remaining Commission decision concerns Ukraine’s proposed spending plan rather than another vote among member states.
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The exception highlights a tension at the heart of the EU’s defence strategy. Brussels wants European defence spending to strengthen European and Ukrainian production, but Kyiv urgently needs weapons that European manufacturers cannot currently supply at the required scale or speed. The request marks the first attempt to use the €90 billion loan for US-made Patriot interceptors, according to Defense News.
Germany adds missiles from military stocks
Germany is also turning to its own stocks to address Ukraine’s immediate air-defence needs. Its Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced separately on Tuesday that it would provide PAC-2 missiles from its military stocks, having made the commitment during an online meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, according to Reuters. Berlin did not disclose how many missiles it would send.
The new €3.2 billion payment comes on top of €8.4 billion already disbursed under the loan for defence procurement, including air defence. Previous payments have supported drones, missiles, fighter jets and air-defence equipment. The Commission approved another €6.1 billion for Ukrainian defence projects in August.
We will continue to work hand in hand to support Ukraine and to strengthen Europe’s defence posture.
— Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President
PAC-3 interceptors are particularly important against the ballistic missiles Russia has repeatedly launched at Ukrainian cities. However, EU approval does not guarantee rapid delivery. Purchases still depend on availability, US authorisation and production schedules.
