Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

Ukrainian officials are close to finalizing a multi-year deal with the US to acquire a significant number of air defense systems critical to protecting the country from ongoing Russian missile attacks.

Some shit you should know before you dig in: Ukraine currently relies on a wide array of air defense systems to counter persistent Russian aerial assaults, including Soviet-era platforms as well as more modern Western systems such as NASAMS, IRIS-T, and Gepard. However, the Patriot air defense system, produced by Raytheon, remains the most preferred and effective option due to its proven ability to intercept advanced Russian ballistic and cruise missiles. Unlike other systems, the Patriot offers long-range, high-altitude coverage with precision targeting, making it a cornerstone of Ukraine’s layered air defense strategy. Despite its effectiveness, availability is limited, with Raytheon only able to produceabout 12 Patriot systems per year.

What’s going on now: In a notable development, President Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine is preparing to finalize a long-term contract with the US for the acquisition of 25 Patriot air defense systems, a move that would dramatically expand the country’s high-end missile defense capabilities. This procurement plan is the result of intensive negotiations held both with US defense officials and executives from Raytheon. The systems would not be delivered all at once; instead, Ukraine expects to receive them in incremental batches over several years due to global production constraints and existing international backlogs. According to Zelensky, deliveries would be staggered annually depending on US political decisions, available funding, and the manufacturer’s production capacity.

During meetings in Washington, Zelensky stressed Ukraine’s urgent need for additional Patriots, particularly as Russian missile attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure increase heading into the winter. As part of the ongoing talks, Ukraine is asking the US to elevate its position in the production queue, pushing for a reprioritization of existing orders to expedite delivery. One key proposal involves transferring US-owned Patriot batteries currently stationed in Europe directly to Ukraine, a move that would bypass part of the production bottleneck.

Zelensky also noted that allied cooperation could help accelerate the timeline. Some European NATO countries may agree to donate their own Patriot systems or reassign future deliveries in Ukraine’s favor. Additionally, Ukraine is exploring alternative financing mechanisms, including tapping into frozen Russian assets and leveraging existing bilateral security agreements to make advance payments.