Spain and Greece decline to send aging Patriot missiles to Ukraine
Photo: Greece and Spain refuse to provide Ukraine with Patriot missiles (Getty Images)
Greece and Spain have refused to transfer Patriot surface-to-air missile system interceptors to Ukraine, despite the fact that some of them are nearing the end of their service life, according to The Telegraph.
Ukraine had requested Athens to transfer approximately 200 PAC-2 missiles, which are used by Patriot systems to intercept aerial targets. However, the Greek side declined to hand over these stockpiles.
According to the Greek edition Kathimerini, some of the missiles have been in service with the Hellenic Air Force for about 23 years. This means that the ammunition may soon reach its maximum operational lifespan.
Spain has also decided not to transfer Patriot missiles to Ukraine.
This winter, Ukraine needs at least 300 interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is collecting missiles in small batches, one or two units at a time, directly from country leaders. According to him, only the US could provide such assistance on a large scale.
Reuters reported that the new package of military aid to Ukraine from the US did not include missiles for Patriot air defense systems.
At the same time, the administration of US President Donald Trump plans to allocate all $400 million previously approved by Congress to support Ukraine.
