World
European Effort to Provide Ukraine with Patriot Air Defense System
Learn about the European initiative to supply Ukraine with the Patriot Air Defense System, enhancing their defense capabilities against potential threats.
A European initiative is underway to supply Ukraine with another Patriot air defense system to defend its cities against Russian airstrikes. The plan involves contributions from multiple countries, with each providing specific components:
- Netherlands: Supplying radar and three missile launchers.
- Germany-led Coalition: Providing interceptor missiles.
- Unspecified Source: Promised mobile fire control center.
- Additional Support: Up to eight countries offering more missiles, launchers, and training for Ukrainian personnel.
The former Dutch defense minister, Kajsa Ollongren, described the collaborative effort as a puzzle, with all the necessary pieces now available to be assembled into a functional air defense system. President Zelensky of Ukraine has expressed the urgent need for at least seven Patriot batteries to protect the country from attacks.
President Biden has committed to delivering five Western air defense systems to Ukraine, with Romania, Germany, Italy, and the United States already making pledges. The fifth system is expected to be constructed through a creative solution of assembling a complete system from spare parts donated by various European allies.