TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby on Thursday (June 20) said to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses, Patriot and NASAMS interceptor missiles will be prioritized for Ukraine, delaying orders for other countries by 16 months, but emphasized that Taiwan's orders would not be affected.

Kirby explained that the U.S. has decided to rearrange the delivery priorities for Patriot and NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) missiles purchased by other countries in favor of Ukraine. He described this as a “difficult but necessary decision," and said that countries impacted by the reprioritization are "fully supportive of this decision.”

Kirby said this prioritization adjustment would allow Ukraine to receive more Patriot air defense systems and NASAMS interceptor missile systems by the end of this summer. He estimated that Ukraine would receive several hundred additional systems within 16 months.

He declined to specify which countries would be affected, as each country's order and self-defense needs vary, and would “let the countries affected speak for themselves.” Kirby vowed the U.S. will continue to communicate with these countries and strive to minimize the impact of delivery delays.

Kirby said if other U.S. partners face situations similar to Ukraine's, the U.S. would "go to extraordinary lengths to support their security as well." He said this decision demonstrates the U.S. commitment to supporting partner nations when they face existential threats. 

Kirby also sent a message to Russia, saying, "If you think you’re going to be able to outlast Ukraine and if you think you’re going to be able to outlast those of us who are supporting Ukraine, you’re just flat-out wrong."

He reiterated that the U.S. would ensure Ukraine receives the critical air defense capabilities it needs now and in the future, and will continue to work with allies and partners to ensure they also receive the air defense capabilities they ordered. He stressed the U.S. appreciates these countries' understanding and strong support for this decision.

Although no reporters had asked whether Taiwan would be impacted, Kirby emphasized that the reprioritization of the air defense system deliveries to Ukraine would not affect Taipei or "what Taiwan continues to need and to receive from the United States with respect to their self-defense.”