About time, Trump. Huge arms purchase with LR missiles.
### Overview of the $90 Billion US-Ukraine Weapons Deal
As of September 28, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the finalization of a major "mega deal" with the United States valued at approximately **$90 billion** for the purchase of American-made weapons. This agreement, discussed in meetings with President Donald Trump in late August and early September 2025, shifts from traditional U.S. aid donations to a purchase model financed partly by Ukraine (with European ally support) to appeal to Trump's emphasis on boosting U.S. defense industry sales. The deal includes a separate $50 billion agreement for U.S. purchases of Ukrainian-manufactured drones.
The package encompasses a wide range of advanced weaponry, with a **particular focus on long-range systems** requested by Ukrainian defense officials to counter Russian advances and protect critical infrastructure. While the full list of equipment is not yet public (technical negotiations are ongoing), it prioritizes air defense, precision strikes, and standoff capabilities. Major U.S. contractors like Lockheed Martin (for missile systems) and Raytheon (for air defense) are expected to play key roles.
### Key Long-Range Missile System in the Deal
The primary **long-range missile system** included in this $90 billion deal is the **Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS)**, a ground-launched ballistic missile with a range of up to **190 miles (300 km)**.
- **Details on ATACMS**:
- Launched from High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) or M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), which Ukraine already operates.
- Capable of striking deep into enemy territory for precision attacks on command centers, logistics hubs, and airfields—critical for Ukraine's needs amid escalating Russian missile barrages.
- The deal builds on prior U.S. deliveries (e.g., limited batches in 2023–2024) but scales up to thousands of units, with broader usage permissions (e.g., targeting Russian military sites beyond the border, though deep strikes on Moscow remain restricted to avoid escalation).
- Estimated cost per missile: $1–1.5 million; the package could include 1,000+ units, funded via the NATO-led Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL).
This system was explicitly highlighted in Zelenskyy's announcements as a "game-changer" for long-range strikes, with initial deliveries expected in late 2025 under the new funding mechanism.
### Other Long-Range Capabilities in the Deal
The agreement also incorporates complementary long-range systems to enhance Ukraine's standoff strike options:
- **Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM)**: Air-to-ground cruise missiles (up to 280 miles/450 km range) for F-16 fighters. An $825 million tranche approved in August 2025 includes 3,350 ERAMs, GPS kits, and support equipment, financed by Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway.
- **Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM)**: Potential inclusion of these stealthy cruise missiles (up to 230–600 miles range), though not yet confirmed in the $90 billion breakdown.
- **Patriot Interceptor Missiles**: For the Patriot air defense system, enabling interception of Russian long-range ballistic and cruise missiles (e.g., Kinzhal hypersonics). At least 10 additional Patriot batteries and thousands of interceptors are prioritized, with a first $500 million batch (including HIMARS munitions) arriving in September 2025.
| System | Range | Launch Platform | Primary Role | Estimated Units in Deal |
|--------|--------|-----------------|--------------|-------------------------|
| **ATACMS** | 190 miles | HIMARS/MLRS | Ground-launched precision strikes | 1,000+ |
| **ERAM** | 280 miles | F-16 aircraft | Air-to-ground standoff attacks | 3,350 (initial tranche) |
| **Patriot Missiles** | Intercepts up to 100+ miles | Ground-based Patriot | Air defense vs. incoming missiles | Thousands (with 10+ batteries) |
| **JASSM (potential)** | 230–600 miles | F-16 aircraft | Long-range cruise strikes | TBD |
### Context and Implementation
- **Financing and Timeline**: Ukraine has secured $2–3.5 billion via PURL for initial purchases, with NATO allies aiming for $10 billion total. Monthly deliveries could reach $1 billion starting October 2025, prioritizing urgent needs like air defense amid Russian strikes on Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia.
- **Strategic Shift**: Unlike Biden-era grants, this emphasizes sales to U.S. firms, aligning with Trump's "America First" policy. It replaces paused donations and includes relocation plans for Patriot systems from allies.
- **Limitations**: Tomahawk cruise missiles (1,600+ mile range) were requested but denied to prevent strikes on major Russian cities like Moscow. Targets must be coordinated with the Pentagon.
This deal marks a significant escalation in U.S. support, potentially shifting battlefield dynamics by enabling deeper Ukrainian strikes. For the latest updates, monitor official announcements from the U.S. State Department or Zelenskyy's office, as details may evolve during implementation talks.