Ukraine, US sign deal on monthly deliveries of interceptors

Ukraine has reached a deal with the United States on monthly deliveries of interceptor missiles for the Patriot air defence system as the Pentagon issues directive to American defence firms to drastically ramp up weapons production in a bid to replenish the diminished stockpile of munitions.

With the Iran war draining US weapons stockpiles, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell says they have been actively focused on boosting munitions acquisitions to provide the weapons American warfighters need "at the pace the threat demands."

In a memo obtained by The Washington Post, US Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg gives industry leaders no more than 21 days to submit plans to "drive significantly faster, more aggressive delivery schedules and/or increased production for critical capabilities."

Parnell affirms the existence of Feinberg's memo.

The official adds the fiscal year 2027 budget being considered could supercharge the effort to accelerate production, and that it will inform the fiscal year 2028 budget submitted to Congress for funding.

The defence bill demanded by President Donald Trump is currently stalled on Capitol Hill with lawmakers pushing against the war in Iran and resisting a White House request to boost military spending to 1.5 billion dollars.

Trump has recently bristled over reports of a munitions shortage and claimed on social media the US has "massive amounts," though tempers flare over the issues behind the scenes.

CSIS estimated last month that the number of Patriot interceptors dropped from 2,330 before the war to 1,030 when the ceasefire took effect. The current stockpile is estimated to be between 759 and 827, down at least 65% before the conflict began.

Speaking to reporters in Belgrade, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounces Russia's latest deadly attacks on Kyiv on Saturday.

He confirms the newly-signed deal with Washington that will ensure a steady pipeline of Patriot missile interceptors to Kyiv on a monthly basis, though the supply is still insufficient. The weapons will be sourced from existing US stockpiles and accelerated manufacturing queues.

According to Zelenskyy, in 2026, Ukraine is expected to receive less missile interceptors than last year.

Zelenskyy previously said at a press conference with NATO leaders that actual deliveries of the advanced munitions from Western allies had fallen due to tensions in the Middle East.