EU agrees to fund drones and Patriot missiles for Ukraine's air defense
On Friday, September 11, the European Commission decided to provide Ukraine with 6.1 billion euros under a loan totaling 90 billion for the purchase of drones and PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems, and is preparing to pay the next tranche of 4.3 billion euros. This was stated by EU Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius, according to Європейська правда.
The European Commission will finance drones and PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Ukraine for 6.2 billion euros.
"Today the Commission officially approved the allocation of 6.1 billion for drones and missiles for Ukraine's air defense as part of the loan to support Ukraine", – stated Kubilius.
He said that "this decision officially allows Ukraine to purchase PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems."
"The package financed under the loans to support Ukraine includes five waivers from standard eligibility conditions. Three for Ukrainian-made drones and components exceeding cost thresholds, and two for American-made equipment, namely PAC-3 missiles", – explained the EU Commissioner.
He emphasized that as of now "all 28.3 billion euros allocated this year for financing Ukraine's defense from the loan to support Ukraine are now agreed."
"The Commission is currently also processing payment requests in the amount of 4.3 billion euros, which is the next step after the already paid 8.3 billion", – added Andrius Kubilius.
As reported by "European Pravda", it was previously known that the EU agreed to purchase Patriot missiles for Ukraine for 3.2 billion euros.
On August 24, the European Commission approved defense procurement for Ukraine for 6.1 billion euros under the EU loan of 90 billion.
"EuroPravda" reported that by the end of 2026, the European Union should pay Ukraine about 20 billion euros as part of the defense portion of the 90 billion euro loan, with new tranches possibly arriving in the coming weeks.
In turn, the EU Council on July 30 approved an updated reform plan under the Ukraine Facility mechanism, which will allow Ukraine to receive 8.3 billion euros in 2026 to cover budget needs.
