The European Commission approved €6.1 billion in defense funding for Ukraine on September 11, allowing Kyiv to use money from the EU’s €90 billion support loan to purchase drones and U.S.-made PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems.
EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius confirmed the decision in Brussels, saying the package officially enables Ukraine to procure PAC-3 missiles for its Patriot systems.
“Today the Commission officially also approved €6.1 billion for Ukraine air defense drones and missiles from Ukraine Support Loan,” Kubilius said.
The decision includes five exemptions from the loan’s standard procurement rules. Three apply to Ukrainian-made drones and components that exceed the permitted cost thresholds, while two cover U.S.-made equipment, including PAC-3 interceptor missiles.
The approval does not mean the missiles will be delivered immediately. There is currently a global shortage of Patriot interceptors, while Ukraine is preparing for a potential new wave of Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure during the winter.
