Netherlands wants to assemble and send Patriot to Ukraine in short term
Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren (Getty Images)
The Netherlands, with the support of other Patriot-owning countries, aims to assemble and deliver a Patriot system to Ukraine in the short term. For this, Amsterdam will provide key components from its own stockpiles and request additional main components from European countries, citing the Dutch Ministry of Defense.
The Netherlands has mapped out countries that could supply spare parts and ammunition from their inventories. Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren is urging these countries to participate in the project.
"We are negotiating with countries to assemble the Patriot system and train Ukrainian crews. With our proposal, and if other potential partner countries can supply spare parts and ammunition, we will be able to provide Ukraine with at least one complete system in the short term," she said.
The Minister added that the Dutch government understands the shortage of Patriot systems but emphasizes that Ukraine is also fighting for Europe, with its military capability, energy production, and vital infrastructure under daily attack.
The Netherlands wants the Patriot system to be operational in Ukraine as soon as possible.
Patriot for Ukraine
The Patriot system is an anti-aircraft missile complex that plays a crucial role in air defense. It is urgently needed by Ukraine, which is under missile attacks from Russia, as it can shoot down ballistic missiles.
Few countries in the world possess such air defense systems. For instance, Poland only received its first Patriot complex, which was ordered seven years ago. Thus, Warsaw cannot transfer them to Ukraine.
Previously, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Washington is paying close attention to Patriot systems and other air defense measures.
