The United States is planning to spend USD 1.3 billion to produce interceptor missiles for the MIM-104 Patriot air defense system. The US Army has also quietly quadrupled its total procurement of the air defense system, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday, July 9.
In April, a group of senior military officials who advise on weapons needs increased the plan to buy the most advanced Patriot interceptors. It has been more than quadrupled, from 3,376 to 13,773.
Lawmakers are developing policies and bills on Defense Department funding that could take these projections into account.
Bloomberg writes that the new figure indicates the military's commitment to Patriot missiles, the demand for which is growing as the United States and its partners seek to strengthen air and missile defenses.
Ukraine relies heavily on Patriot batteries and missiles supplied by the United States and its allies to protect cities from russian attacks.
According to budget documents reviewed by Bloomberg journalists, by the beginning of the 2024 fiscal year, the United States has purchased 2,047 missiles, in 2024 – another 230, and this year - 214.
The US Army has requested USD 945.9 million to purchase 224 missiles in 2026.
According to documents signed by US President Donald Trump last week, several billion more dollars will be allocated for defense, and an additional USD 366 million will be allocated for the purchase of 96 more interceptors.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, on July 9, The Wall Street Journal wrote that the US President is considering transferring an additional Patriot air defense system to Ukraine.
And the day before, on July 8, the Axios portal reported that Trump is putting pressure on Germany to transfer a Patriot battery to Ukraine.
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