On April 18, during an extraordinary European Council summit in Brussels, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed hope that NATO could provide six additional Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. This request follows an increase in Russian attacks on Ukrainian urban and energy infrastructures. On April 13, Germany had already committed to delivering an additional Patriot system, bringing the total number promised by Berlin to Kyiv to three.
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The 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery’s U.S. Army Patriot Missile Systems arrived in Croatia on May 17, 2021, to participate in DEFENDER-Europe 21 (Picture source: US DoD )
The Patriot system, developed by the United States, is designed to counter and destroy short-range ballistic missiles, advanced aircraft, and cruise missiles. Known as the "Patriot Advanced Capability-3" (PAC-3), this system includes a radar, a control station, and several missile-equipped launchers. It is deployed by many countries, including the United States, Germany, and Israel, serving as a key element of their defense strategies.
In response to intensive attacks, Ukraine has sought international support to strengthen its air defenses. Germany has taken the lead by promising additional Patriot systems, with potential support from other NATO members. At the Brussels summit, it was proposed to use the proceeds from frozen Russian assets, estimated at around 300 billion dollars, to finance the purchase of military equipment for Ukraine.
In February, Germany, along with France, led a coalition to support Ukraine's air defense as part of the "Ramstein format." This initiative, named "Immediate Air Defense Action," aims to quickly provide additional defensive means to Ukraine, especially in the face of the increasing use of glide bombs by Russia, which presents new defensive challenges.
German defense and foreign ministers have called on NATO and EU countries to urgently strengthen Ukrainian air defense. However, the ability of air defense systems to counter glide bombs remains limited without neutralizing the aircraft that launch them.
According to the Financial Times, Ukraine currently has at least three Patriot batteries from US and Germany, while the Ukrainian administration has indicated that it would like between 7 and 25 additional Patriot systems.
The difficult situation in Ukraine highlights the urgency of increased support, as stated by various officials, including Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who noted that Ukraine needed seven additional Patriot systems. The response to this request will also depend on the decisions of governments and the U.S. Congress regarding the release of the promised financial aid.
Defense News April 2024
