President Volodymyr Zelensky announced today, "I have received confirmation that Germany will transfer two Patriot systems, and another system will come from Norway. We are also working with the Netherlands on this issue."
Zelensky added that Ukraine is also in discussions to acquire seven more of the American-made air defense systems. Beyond bolstering its air defenses, Ukraine will need an additional 25 billion USD to produce missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and electronic warfare systems. The country also needs to address a 40 billion USD financial deficit next year.
Officials from Germany and Norway have not yet commented on the announcement.
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A German Patriot air defense missile launcher. Photo: Bundeswehr |
A German Patriot air defense missile launcher. Photo: Bundeswehr
On 22/7, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Germany is prepared to transfer two of its Patriot systems to Ukraine but needs to ensure they can be replaced within 6 to 8 months.
Pistorius said Germany is seeking support from European Union (EU) member states for the transfer. He indicated this is "not hopeless" but depends on whether the countries owning the systems are willing to transfer them so others can purchase and send them to Ukraine.
The Patriot system is the most expensive weapon the US and its allies have provided to Ukraine. Each system costs nearly 1.1 billion USD, with missiles costing 690 million USD and other components around 400 million USD. Ukraine’s Patriot systems are equipped with the most advanced PAC-3 MSE missiles produced by the US, with a maximum range of 120 km for aircraft and 60 km for ballistic missiles.
In May, US media, citing unnamed officials, reported that Ukraine possesses at least eight Patriot systems: six operational and two under repair. Ukraine has repeatedly praised the Patriot system’s effectiveness, emphasizing it is the only weapon capable of countering Russia's Kinzhal hypersonic and Iskander-M tactical ballistic missiles.
However, the Patriot's interception rate in Ukraine is declining due to dwindling missile and launcher supplies. Several batteries have also been targeted and destroyed by Russia. Russia's continuous upgrades to the Iskander-M missile have further hampered the Patriot's effectiveness, preventing it from achieving the results Ukraine had hoped for.
Nguyen Tien (According to Reuters, AFP, AP)
