Ukraine has signed a major contract backed by Germany to secure hundreds of PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptor missiles, with deliveries scheduled to begin next year, Kyiv officials announced on July 1, 2026.
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced the procurement during a joint press briefing with Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson.
He noted that the country is simultaneously seeking to borrow additional missiles from partner nations to address immediate needs.
“Regarding PAC-2 or PAC-3, which are anti-ballistic systems, first of all, we have concluded a large contract thanks to Germany for hundreds of these missiles, with deliveries starting next year.
However, we are also trying to temporarily borrow these missiles from some countries so that we can later return them,” said Fedorov.
Fedorov recalled that Kyiv previously managed to secure several dozen Patriot missiles from European stockpiles by requesting small numbers from individual countries during the initial Ramstein format meetings.
Those missiles helped repel Russian attacks in February and March.
“We are now working to directly contract the purchase of PAC-3, which has never been done before. I am confident this will be achieved soon.
We continue to receive these missiles from our American partners, although in insufficient quantities to fully support our air defense system,” he said.
Efforts to Expand Air Defense and Aviation Cooperation
“However, we have a concrete plan to secure additional missiles and to fight for every single one.
Together with the Swedish Defense Minister, we discussed this yesterday with the President.
We have some non-obvious solutions on how to involve partners who have never provided us with PAC-3 before.
We are working on this 24/7,” Fedorov added.
The defense minister emphasized that developing a domestic anti-ballistic missile system remains a key strategic priority to reduce reliance on foreign deliveries.
This project is being discussed with Swedish defense firm Saab regarding radar systems integration.
“Thanks to Germany, we signed a major contract for hundreds of these missiles, with deliveries starting next year.
But we want to borrow missiles from some countries now and return them later,” he said.
The ongoing air defense initiatives come alongside expanded aviation cooperation, as Ukraine seeks to bolster its defensive capabilities amidst an intense Russian missile and drone campaign.
According to reports by United24 Media, Ukraine is also working under a newly formalized agreement with Sweden to purchase 16 advanced Gripen E fighter jets, which follows earlier defense commitments.
“Together with Sweden, we continue to strengthen Ukrainian combat aviation. Today, our countries concluded an agreement to purchase 16 Gripen E fighter jets,” said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
President Zelenskyy added that the jet acquisition includes corresponding equipment, technical assistance, and support, with the first 16 Gripen C/D aircraft expected to arrive by the beginning of 2027.
“It is important that, alongside the aircraft, there will be a package of relevant equipment, technical assistance, and support,” he said.
As reported by The Times of India, Ukraine currently operates about eight Patriot batteries but requires approximately 25 systems to secure effective nationwide protection against incoming aerial threats.
