UK Considers Joining US-Led Missile Purchase Plan for Ukraine, Starmer Confirms
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signaled that the United Kingdom may join a US-led initiative to purchase advanced missile systems, such as Patriots, for Ukraine, The Gaze reports, citing Bloomberg.
Speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a joint press conference in London, Starmer said the UK is “working with allies on the provision of capability” and ensuring support systems are in place to make any assistance “effective in Ukraine.”
The comments come as Western allies explore new ways to reinforce Ukraine’s air defenses amid ongoing Russian aggression. According to a source familiar with the discussions, talks between the UK, US, and several European countries are in the early stages, and no final decision has been made.
The potential arrangement aligns with US President Donald Trump’s recent proposal to accelerate arms deliveries to Ukraine, with NATO countries financing the purchase. Trump has pledged more weaponry for Kyiv and issued a 50-day ultimatum to the Kremlin, threatening 100% “secondary tariffs” on Russia if a ceasefire is not reached.
Each US-made Patriot battery can cost over $1 billion, with individual missiles priced at around $4 million. Germany has already committed to financing two batteries and is also seeking to purchase the US-made Typhon mid-range missile system. The UK has not yet formally joined the plan.
“Our defense ministers are negotiating the details of how we can arrange the delivery of Patriots to Ukraine in a short period of time,” Chancellor Merz said. “They must also be transported and installed. This is not a matter of hours, but of days and weeks.”
The press conference followed the signing of a new bilateral security pact between the UK and Germany, dubbed the Kensington Treaty. The agreement outlines mutual defense commitments, future long-range missile development, and streamlined arms export coordination—further tightening defense ties between the two countries post-Brexit.
As The Gaze previously reported, France and Italy will not participate in the scheme announced by US President Donald Trump, under which Europeans would purchase weapons for Ukraine from Americans.
On 14 July, US President Donald Trump announced an agreement between the US and NATO under which European allies will pay for American weapons supplies to Ukraine.Trump also announced the delivery of additional Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine.