Germany announces air defense missile shortage for Ukraine

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According to him, the shortage of air defense systems is partly explained by the fact that Germany has already transferred all available resources to Ukraine.

The minister noted that the existing MIM-104 Patriot systems and the missiles for them are mostly produced in the United States, and new products coming off the production lines are immediately directed to Ukraine.

He stressed that Berlin has already delivered the maximum possible amount of weapons and is largely financing the supply of air defense systems for the Ukrainian army.

"We have made everything available that we somehow had. Other Europeans could contribute more there. There are other air defense systems in one or another European country," Wadephul said.

Berlin emphasized that further support for Ukraine in the field of air defense requires broader participation from allies, as Germany’s own capabilities are currently significantly limited.

Air defense for Ukraine

European countries have agreed to strengthen support for Ukraine in the field of air defense, including by focusing on joint procurement of modern surface-to-air missile systems.

It was previously reported that around 75% of missiles for MIM-104 Patriot systems are supplied to Ukraine through the PURL program, while for other air defense systems, this figure reaches nearly 90% of interceptor missiles.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted that in January, the Armed Forces of Ukraine received a significant package of air defense missiles. In addition, the United Kingdom is preparing to provide Ukraine with a large aid package to strengthen its air defenses, which will include around one thousand missiles.