Allies launch global search for air defense systems to support Ukraine - German Minister of Defense
Photo: German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine is in urgent need of air defense systems to protect against Russian attacks. That's why allies are searching for additional systems around the world, RBC-Ukraine reports, citing German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius during his speech at the Ramstein meeting.
"Minister Umerov and President Zelenskyy mentioned earlier that they require one (Patriot - ed.) system until the summer if I understood it correctly, but on the long run, they need more," the German Defense Minister said.
According to Pistorius, his country has already delivered four full Patriot systems to Ukraine.
"We are not able to provide anymore at the moment because we are awaiting for being provided for ourselves," the German Defense Minister added, noting that allies are currently searching for systems across the globe.
Air defense systems for Ukraine
Ukraine has consistently urged its allies to provide air defense systems that can protect the country from ongoing Russian attacks.
In particular, on April 11, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting is taking place in Brussels. During the event, Germany has already announced a new aid package for Ukraine, including a commitment to deliver four IRIS-T air defense systems with missiles and an additional 30 missiles for the Patriot systems.
Even before the meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that there were already certain agreements with partners regarding additional air defense systems.
In 2024, Germany volunteered to find Patriot systems for Ukraine all over the world. For context, the US currently has 60 Patriot batteries in service, Germany has 10, and Patriot systems are also present in some Asian countries.
