US approves potential $105M sale of Patriot air defense system sustainment to Ukraine

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US State Department on Tuesday approved a potential sale of Patriot air defense system sustainment and related equipment to Ukraine, a package valued at up to $105 million, according to a statement by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

The package includes upgrades of Ukraine’s M901 launchers to the newer M903 configuration, prescribed load lists for ground support equipment, spare parts, training, and other logistics and program support, the statement added.

It said the deal supports US foreign policy objectives by strengthening the defenses of “a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.”

Ukraine has increasingly relied on the US-made systems to counter Russia’s daily missile and drone barrages. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said more Patriots recently arrived in Ukraine and are being activated.

Kyiv has also asked Washington for 2,500-kilometer-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, though President Donald Trump said he is “not really” considering the request.