Spiegel: Germany and partners organize delivery of approximately 35 Patriot missiles to Ukraine
Germany, together with its European partners, has organized the delivery of about 35 Patriot missiles in the modern PAC-3 configuration to Ukraine, made possible by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius's initiative.
According to Ukrinform, the German publication Der Spiegel reported this, citing its own sources.
“Ukraine can count on urgently needed Patriot air defense missiles from Europe in the coming weeks. According to Spiegel, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius managed to secure about 30 PAC-3 guided missiles in the latest version from several European partners. Together with several such scarce high-tech missiles from the Bundeswehr's stocks, Ukraine is now expected to receive approximately 35 interceptor missiles," the article says.
The German Ministry of Defense confirmed plans to transfer a new batch of Patriot missiles to Ukraine but, for security reasons, did not disclose the exact number of missiles or the timing of their delivery.
It is noted that Pistorius put forward an unusual initiative during a meeting of Ukraine's partner countries ahead of the Munich Security Conference, stating that Germany was ready to provide five PAC-3 missiles from its stockpiles to Ukraine if other states together provided 30 additional missiles. Some countries, including the Netherlands, agreed to join this initiative.
The publication notes Ukraine's critical need for the Patriot air defense system, as it remains the only means of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. According to estimates, Ukraine spends an average of 60 Patriot missiles per month.
The German Ministry of Defense emphasized that Berlin will continue to support Ukraine in air defense. In particular, it plans to transfer IRIS-T and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, portable anti-aircraft systems, and spare parts for Patriot and IRIS-T systems.
As reported by Ukrinform, about 800 American-made Patriot missiles were used in the Middle East in three days, which is more than Ukraine has used in the last four months.
Photo: Bundeswehr