Ukraine Will Be Able to Purchase Air Defense Missiles from Third Countries Using EU Loan Funds

Ukraine may use part of the funds from the European Union’s defense loan to purchase interceptor missiles from third countries if such weapons are not available within the EU.

European Commission spokesperson Balázs Ujvári announced this during a briefing in Brussels, according to Ukrinform.

He explained that Ukraine independently determines its defense needs, analyzes the situation on the battlefield, and submits funding requests to the European Commission.

“Ukraine is leading the process. Ukraine determines its needs, analyzes the situation on the battlefield, and identifies its defense requirements. These are what we call ‘delivery schedules,’ which we review and process,” Uzhvari stated.

The spokesperson clarified that Ukraine can apply for funding to purchase air defense missiles and other weapons, even if they are manufactured outside the European Union.

The European Commission promptly reviews the submitted delivery schedules and contracts, after which it makes the corresponding payments. According to the spokesperson, there have been no issues with the allocation of funds so far.

“Our negotiations are ongoing; delivery schedules and contracts continue to come in, we review them extremely quickly, and then make the corresponding payments,” Uzhvary stated.

He emphasized that the priority remains the procurement of weapons manufactured in the European Union and Ukraine. At the same time, current rules allow for the financing of procurements in third countries if the necessary products are not available on the European market.

A European Commission spokesperson declined to disclose details of the ongoing negotiations with Ukraine regarding the financing of defense procurements, noting that decisions will be announced after the completion of internal procedures within the EU.

In early July, the Ministry of Defense reported that Ukraine had taken a step toward purchasing approximately 100 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems using funds from an EU loan. The cost of the purchase is estimated at approximately $1 billion.

Other approvals from the EU

Last month, the EU allowed Ukraine to spend part of the funds from the first tranche on purchasing Chinese components for drones.

Ukraine will also be able to use the loan funds to purchase defense products manufactured in the United Kingdom.