Germany rushes PAC-2 missiles to Ukraine for Patriot air defense
Photo: Bundeswehr soldier near Patriot air defense system (Getty Images)
Germany will urgently transfer PAC-2 interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine from Bundeswehr stocks. This was confirmed by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format, according to Suspilne.
According to Pistorius, Ukraine must receive Patriot missiles before the winter season. He called on other members of the Ramstein group to check their own stocks and consider similar supplies.
Pistorius said that he had decided, in parallel with the NATO summit, to provide Ukraine with the urgently needed PAC-2 interceptor missiles from Bundeswehr stocks.
The minister did not specify the exact number of missiles Germany will transfer to Ukraine. At the same time, he emphasized the need to strengthen Ukrainian air defense ahead of winter and urged allies to make decisions in favor of supporting Ukraine if they have any doubts.
In addition to PAC-2s, Germany will increase supplies of AIM-9 air-to-air missiles to Ukraine from Bundeswehr stocks. Pistorius also announced the continuation of supplies of IRIS-T air defense systems and guided missiles for them.
Ukraine, in turn, plans to order several thousand additional guided IRIS-T missiles. Their financing is expected to come from an EU loan for Ukraine.
Context of the statement
Earlier, Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhen Humara stated that Ukraine had already ordered 1,000 missiles for Patriot air defense systems. However, since most of these missiles will begin delivery later, Humara appealed to partners for assistance.
Following the 36th Ramstein meeting, Poland announced the preparation of a new aid package for Ukraine worth €50 million. It will include air defense assets, among other things.
Meanwhile, the UK will allocate £100 million (about $135 million) for a new air defense package for Ukraine ahead of the winter period.
