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The United States has approved a potential $8.5 billion arms deal to supply Denmark with air defense systems that will ultimately be provided to Ukraine.

Some shit you should know before you read: Roughly two months ago, President Trump announced that the United States would no longer provide direct aid to Ukraine, arguing that American taxpayers should not be responsible for funding Ukraine’s security. Instead, he stressed that while the US would halt financial assistance, it would remain open to selling military equipment to Ukraine and allies willing to pay for it. Trump stated that if European nations believe in supporting Ukraine, they should “step up and buy what they need,” assuring them that the US would “gladly sell” advanced weapons systems. Since then, multiple European Union countries and NATO members have committed to purchasing equipment and other defense technologies.

What’s going on now: The State Department has approved a potential $8.5 billion sale of Patriot air defense systems and related equipment to Denmark, marking one of the largest US foreign military sales in recent years. The proposed package includes thirty-six Patriot MIM-104E Guidance Enhanced Missiles (GEM-T), twenty PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors, six launching stations, advanced radar systems, engagement control stations, and the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) software suite.  

Additional components in the deal include secure communications systems, training equipment, spare parts, and logistical and technical support, enabling full deployment and operational readiness.

The purpose of the sale is for Denmark to acquire the systems and then transfer them to Ukraine, which continues to face relentless Russian missile and drone attacks. US officials have emphasized that this arrangement supports broader NATO goals by reinforcing the defensive strength of an ally while enabling urgent support for Ukraine through allied procurement rather than direct American aid.

Although the State Department has formally notified Congress and expressed its approval, no contract has been finalized. Denmark must still complete negotiations with key US defense contractors to lock in the terms of the agreement.