Ukraine is buying about 1,000 Patriot interceptors with an EU loan, but most arrive years from now

Because the contracted missiles are years out, Kyiv asked partners for interceptors from existing stockpiles now, and Germany agreed to ship PAC-2 interceptors from its own stocks immediately.

The numbers:

• Ukraine still reports a defense budget shortfall this year
• Germany's transfer is PAC-2 interceptors, pulled from current Bundeswehr stocks