Zelenskyy reveals new number of Patriots Ukraine wants for air defense
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (president.gov.ua)
Ukraine plans to order 27 Patriot air defense systems from the United States to protect its airspace from threats. While the US manufactures these systems, European countries could lend their Patriots to Ukraine, said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with The Guardian.
He explained that Ukraine is working closely with partners to defend its airspace against Russian drones, but progress is slow, as Britain and other allies are reluctant to send fighter jets for patrols.
Zelenskyy also said that Ukraine wants to order 27 Patriot air defense systems from an American manufacturer, but while they are being produced, the country is considering "borrowing" similar systems from European states.
On October 25, during a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, Zelenskyy called on European partners to provide Ukraine with Patriot systems, adding that Kyiv would return them immediately after receiving the batteries ordered from the US.
He emphasized that Ukraine could receive new Patriot systems much faster if European countries allow Kyiv to move up in the US procurement queue.
On November 2, Zelenskyy reported that Ukraine had received Patriot systems from Germany. Berlin had announced plans to provide two systems in early August 2025. After a large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine's energy grid on November 8, Zelenskyy said the country is working to increase the number of Patriot batteries.
