“It is worth several billion euros and would cover Ukraine’s air defences, including the highly advanced PAC-3 Patriot air defence systems,” von der Leyen said. “Member States are currently looking at Ukraine’s request, but I can say that it is going in the right direction.”
No decision date was announced. The statement also gave no details on the number of PAC-3 systems, potential delivery schedule or allocation of the requested funds.
The latest request would come on top of a €90 billion support loan for Ukraine that von der Leyen said was already in use. Europe has also issued €8.5 billion since June for Ukrainian drones and missiles.
Von der Leyen said some of that funding would be used to buy fighter jets from European manufacturers. She did not identify the aircraft, suppliers or expected delivery dates.
We will keep weakening Russia’s economy with our sanctions.
We will keep supporting Ukraine, including with European air defence and PAC-3 Patriot systems.
We will work closer than ever with NATO.
And deter anyone who attacks our freedom and security. pic.twitter.com/C7Yy7cLKPk
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 2, 2026
Europe is also working with Ukraine on FREYA, a project to develop European anti-ballistic missile defenses. The effort forms a separate part of Europe’s plans to expand protection against missile threats.
Von der Leyen discussed the PAC-3 request during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Their talks also covered faster warning systems, closer integration of European air defenses and quicker interception of incoming threats.
She linked those requirements to the EU’s €800 billion defense investment plan, including €150 billion available through the SAFE instrument. The funding is intended to support more joint defense spending by European countries.
The meeting came after Germany attributed an attempted attack on cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport to Russian operatives. Von der Leyen described the incident as an escalation and said Europe and NATO would increase pressure on Russia.
She also called for additional sanctions after responsibility for dangerous acts had been established. The European Commission was examining further measures targeting Russia’s war financing.
