US ready to approve transfer of Patriot missiles from Germany to Ukraine
Photo: Patriot air defense system (Getty Images)
The US is preparing to provide Ukraine with an additional batch of interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems. The shipment includes 10 MIM-104E GEM-T missiles worth $29.6 million, which Germany previously received, according to a decision by the US State Department.
"This transfer is consistent with US security assistance objectives. The United States government is prepared to authorize this transfer, having taken into account political, military, economic, human rights, and arms control considerations," the document says.
Under the agreements in place, the transfer of US weapons by third countries requires mandatory approval from Washington.
The US administration has already expressed its readiness to grant Berlin the necessary authorization to send the interceptors to Kyiv.
"Ukraine seeks to acquire these systems to bolster its air defense capability against ongoing Russian attacks. Ukraine already possesses munitions of the same type," the US State Department said.
Poland plans to provide Ukraine with missiles for Patriot air defense systems as part of a new military aid package. Its total value will amount to €50 million.
Germany's Defense Ministry has had a small team called Sonderstab Ukraine operating for several years. It is responsible for allocating €11.5 billion in military aid to Kyiv annually and can conclude weapons supply agreements within just two weeks.
