Trump and Zelensky Sign PAC-3 Missile Deal—But There’s a Condition
Part of composite article Ukraine Needs More Patriots Now, Says Top US Lawmaker — But New Missile Deal Is Years Away View full article →
US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reached a major agreement on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara. The deal focuses on the production of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missile interceptors.
The PAC-3 is a top-tier “hit-to-kill” air defense missile. It destroys incoming threats by directly colliding with them, rather than exploding nearby. The US and many of its allies use this system.
The weapon has been critical in Ukraine’s defense against aerial attacks. However, the agreement includes a condition. The exact terms of this condition were not disclosed in the initial announcement.
Both leaders described the deal as a significant step in strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. The meeting marks a rare moment of direct cooperation between the two nations on advanced military technology.