The US administration has approved the sale of 500 PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Ukraine’s Patriot air defense systems, with the deal valued at approximately $2.1 billion, according to the US State Department.

Washington will not use American taxpayer funds to finance the purchase. Instead, the entire cost will be covered by US partners and allies, including Canada, Germany and Norway, alongside financing through a European Union loan.

The State Department said the approval serves US foreign policy and national security interests, arguing that strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses would contribute to political and economic stability in Europe.

The decision follows earlier complaints from Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky about delays in approving missile deliveries for Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems.

Zelensky accused US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of holding up the necessary authorization, saying the relevant documents had remained unsigned for more than a month.

The Ukrainian president subsequently instructed officials to raise the issue again in discussions with Washington.