Germany enhances Ukraine’s air defence with additional PATRIOT system

By Defence Industry Europe

In a decisive move to bolster Ukraine's defences against ongoing Russian military actions, the German government has announced the provision of an additional PATRIOT air defence system. The German Defence Ministry confirmed the immediate transfer of the system from Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) stocks during a press conference held in Berlin on Saturday.

 

This delivery marks the third PATRIOT system Germany has sent to Ukraine, with previous systems already demonstrating their effectiveness against Russian military aggression. “The Patriot systems have proven their worth in combat, reinforcing our commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defence efforts,” stated a Defence Ministry spokesperson during the press briefing in Berlin.

The reinforcement of Ukraine’s air defence comes at a critical time. According to Ukrainian military officials, the country’s existing Soviet-era systems are hampered by a shortage of missiles, and the few modern Western systems received are insufficient for comprehensive national defence. The limited supply has forced Ukraine to prioritize the protection of key locations and cities.

 

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PATRIOT systems are especially valuable due to their capability to intercept some of the most challenging ballistic missiles. Before this latest shipment, Ukraine had three PATRIOT units: one from the United States and two from Germany, with additional launchers integrated from Germany and the Netherlands, enhancing their operational capacity. Unfortunately, one of the German-provided PATRIOT fire unit was recently destroyed by Russian forces near the front line.

Moreover, Ukraine possesses a singular French-Italian SAMP/T system, comparable in anti-ballistic capability to the PATRIOTs iots, which is stationed in the southern part of the country. The mobility of the German-configured PATRIOTs allows them to be frequently repositioned to bolster defences along critical fronts.

 

 

The Ukrainian General Staff estimates that about 25 PATRIOT fire units, totaling 100 launchers, or equivalent systems, are necessary to effectively protect urban infrastructure. The government in Kyiv has expressed hopes for acquiring an additional SAMP/T system, although discussions are ongoing.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock have been instrumental in these initiatives, advocating for greater international support for Ukraine’s air defence needs amid the crisis. “Russian terror against Ukrainian cities and the country’s infrastructure is causing immeasurable suffering,” emphasized Pistorius in a press release, underscoring the urgency of the support.

 

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