US delays Patriot PAC-3 missile deliveries to Ukraine while PAC-2 shipments continue — RFE/RL
The United States is delaying deliveries of PAC-3 interceptors to Ukraine, which are critical for defending against ballistic missiles, while shipments of older PAC-2 interceptors continue, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported on October 29, citing an informed NATO source.
According to RFE/RL, PAC-2 missiles, primarily used against aircraft and cruise missiles, are still reaching Ukraine through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, under which European allies finance purchases of US weapons for Ukraine.
The delay affecting PAC-3 interceptors is being discussed at a high political level, the source said, but it remains unclear when deliveries might resume.
The distinction is crucial for Ukraine's air defenses. Both interceptor types are used with Patriot systems, but PAC-3 missiles are designed primarily to counter ballistic threats, while PAC-2 missiles are generally employed against aircraft and cruise missiles.
Earlier in October, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the United States was delaying deliveries of air defense interceptors already paid for by European allies.
According to Zelenskyy, some shipments under PURL were still awaiting approval from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Zelenskyy also said Ukraine had received just 24 Patriot missiles from its strategic partners over the previous 90 days, emphasizing the importance of every interceptor as Russia continues its missile attacks.