#Missile Defense

The US approved the sale to Ukraine of 500 Patriot PAC-3 MSE missiles for $2.1 billion, but deliveries are expected no earlier than 2030. Joint production in Ukraine has not yet been agreed upon, with the Pentagon merely 'reviewing' the license issue.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of the threat of intensified ballistic missile strikes due to reduced US Patriot supplies and delayed approvals.

The US Army has selected Lockheed Martin for the next phase of the Future Interceptor program, initiating PAC-3 Edge development with testing in 2027 and deployment in 2031. New guidance and a three-stage motor aim to boost ballistic and hypersonic intercept efficiency.

Lockheed Martin introduced the low-cost PAC-3 ACE interceptor missile project for Patriot systems as an alternative to PAC-3 MSE, though simplification reduced range and altitude capabilities.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in an interview with 77 WABC that the Greenland agreement signed on September 22 between the United States, Denmark, and the island permanently closes the Arctic to Chinese and Russian military bases and introduces dual control over foreign investment.

On September 18, 2026, the European Union allocated €3.3 billion to Ukraine for the purchase of missiles, ammunition, and drones and launched a new program of joint defense projects to develop European air defense.

Zelensky stated in Canada that the first FREYJA anti-ballistic system will be ready by the end of 2026. Project partners had estimated the timeframe at 20–30 years, but Ukraine is accelerating development. A clear timeline is expected after the negotiations in New York.

MBDA and Poland's WITU have completed field trials of the supersonic CMI interceptor for mass engagement of drones. The first launch tests are planned for 2027.

Ukraine has handed NATO an up-to-date list of its air and missile defense needs ahead of the 'Ramstein'-format meeting on 8 September. Kyiv stresses: the timeliness of deliveries matters more than volumes.

The Pentagon signed seven-year agreements with General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin to triple and quadruple the production of PAC-3 MSE and THAAD interceptors amid depleted stockpiles.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Korytskyi, in an interview with Kyodo, asked Japan to supply missile defense. Tokyo rejected the request: Japan is not considering transferring weapons to Kyiv, despite the export possibility opened in April 2026.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that Western countries possess Patriot systems and can transfer them to Ukraine. In her words, all that is needed for this is the political will of partners.

The US Navy unveiled the AIM-424 Malice missile with a claimed range of 465 km — a record for the air-to-air class. In size it is comparable to the AIM-120 and fits into the internal bays of the F-35 and F-22.

MDA signed a contract with X-Bow Systems to develop a low-cost LCI interceptor against ballistic and hypersonic threats. The company develops its own solid-fuel engine, relying on the US Air Force-certified AMSP process.

NATO has confirmed its readiness to protect allies from Iran, recalling four successful missile interceptions in early 2026. The Alliance stated that strikes on US bases in Europe will be considered a threat to the security of all members.

🇨🇳 China created the HQ-17 SAM system based on the Russian 'Tor-M1'. From 1997 to 2001, Russia delivered 35 systems. In 2015, China completed the development of its version with improved night vision and its own chassis. The export wheeled version was presented in 2018. #HQ17 #TorM1 #MilitaryTech

🇪🇺 Europe is creating its own conflict resolution plan, fearing exclusion by the Trump administration. France, Germany, and Britain are coordinating actions to avoid being excluded from negotiations with the RF. 🇺🇦 Crisis in Kyiv: Zelenskyy cannot find an ambassador to the US. Yulia Sviridenko refused the post. This is critical against the backdrop of a Patriot missile deficit and the threat of winter. 🚀 Zelenskyy: we need 10% of missile stockpiles to intercept all RF ballistic missiles. Currently, supplies are 2.5 times lower than in 2025. 🇺🇸 The opposition in Ukraine believes that Zelenskyy may delay the appointment of the ambassador until the US midterm elections.

🇦🇪 UAE orders new THAAD C3 launchers for $211 million. Lockheed Martin to upgrade Emirates' air defense system after 2026 conflicts. 🚀 Key facts: — Implementation of C3 standard and Build 5.0 software. — Distributed architecture for protecting scattered assets. — Experience with Iran highlighted the need for flexibility. 🇺🇦 For comparison: Ukraine plans to start producing Patriot missiles by the end of 2026, but has not yet received a license from the US. #UAE #THAAD #AirDefense #MilitaryTechnology #LockheedMartin