The U.S. Army has signed a new contract worth up to $1.2 billion with Raytheon Missiles and Defense to send six air defense missile systems to Ukraine. Raytheon also announced plans to manufacture Patriot missiles in Europe for the first time, partnering with missile developer MBDA to produce the weapons in Germany.
Ukraine live briefing: U.S. signs deal to send air defense missiles to Ukraine
Securing additional air defense systems is a top priority for Kyiv, as it seeks to defend its citizens and key infrastructure from a barrage of Russian missile attacks that have devastated the power grid. Ukraine has repeatedly pushed for more air defense support from its Western allies. On Wednesday, President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Germany to transfer Patriot systems to Ukraine.
“All generations of Ukrainians will thank [German] Chancellor Scholz, as well as the entire generation of modern German politicians,” Zelensky said in his nightly address.
Here’s the latest on the war and its ripple effects across the globe.
Source: WP