NATO has many air defense systems to share with Ukraine - Stoltenberg
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (Photo: Getty Images)
NATO member countries have a sufficient number of air defense systems that can be provided to Ukraine for protection against Russian attacks, according to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on a press conference.
"I cannot go into exact numbers because that's intelligence or classified information that I can not go into. There are less than 100 in Europe," Stoltenberg said.
According to him, the Alliance has a significant number of Patriot batteries, but this also reflects the fact that the United States, which is an ally with the largest number of these air defense systems, bears "global responsibility."
"But the reality is that, of course, we have systems available big enough to enable us to deliver significantly more to Ukraine when it comes to air defense in general and also when it comes to Patriot batteries. And that is exactly what we are working on now," the NATO Secretary General noted.
Air Defense for Ukraine
Ukraine's need for air defense has intensified following renewed Russian strikes on energy facilities.
Germany has promised to help Ukraine find air defense systems. Earlier reports indicated that the German government will review its stocks and search worldwide for systems that can be sent to Ukraine. In particular, a decision has been made to transfer an additional Patriot system to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that to completely close Ukraine's skies from Russian drones and missiles, 25 Patriot systems are needed.
According to Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine has already identified 100 available Patriot systems worldwide, but initially aims to obtain 7 of them.
It is worth noting that Ukraine's priority is not only Patriot systems but also Samp-T systems, which are also capable of ballistic interception.
Currently, Ukraine is negotiating the acquisition of two Patriot batteries and one Samp-T battery.
