The German Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, confirmed that Ukraine is slated to receive an influx of 68 additional Patriot defense systems. This announcement was made at a news conference held jointly with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, on June 11.
An initial batch of 32 systems has been dispatched within the last two days, and a subsequent 68 are scheduled for delivery in the following weeks.
The reinforcement was prompted by intensified Russian offensive actions targeting Ukrainian cities and essential infrastructure.
In light of Pistorius’s visit to Odesa and his observation of the severe impact of Russian missile attacks, he underlined the critical nature of bolstering Ukraine’s air defense mechanisms. Moreover, he disclosed an assistance package worth 500 million euros ($542 million).
“Understanding the vital role of air defense for Ukraine’s survival, today (June 11) it brings me great satisfaction to confirm the impending provision of a substantial consignment of Patriot projectiles – totaling one hundred,” said Pistorius.
The supply of Patriot missiles is a collaborative international effort involving Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway. This effort is part of a German-led coalition intitiated in April that aims to enhance Ukraine’s air defense capacity. Various nations including Belgium, Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands, and Norway have pledged support for this campaign.
This German initiative took off in April, as a response to the urgent demand for reinforced air defenses in Kyiv, which was under relentless Russian aerial bombardments targeting civilian areas and the power network.
Several countries have already endorsed this enterprise, and the list of supporters includes Belgium, Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, among others.
Further to the recent statements, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz indicated that Germany would also be sending its third Patriot air defense system along with IRIS-T and Gepard anti-aircraft systems, ammunition, and missiles to Ukraine “in the next weeks and months.”
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FAQs about the Supply of Patriot Systems to Ukraine
- What are Patriot systems?
Patriot systems are advanced air-defense systems capable of intercepting incoming missiles and aircraft. They are designed to protect against a wide range of aerial threats. - Who announced the additional supply of Patriot systems to Ukraine?
The announcement was made by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius during a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on June 11. - How many Patriot systems will Ukraine receive?
Ukraine is set to receive a total of 100 Patriot systems, with 32 already sent and an additional 68 to be delivered in the weeks to come. - Which countries are involved in the German-led initiative?
The initiative includes collaboration from Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and support from Belgium, Canada, and others. - What prompted the additional supply of Patriot systems to Ukraine?
The decision is in response to the escalated Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.