Spain to Deliver Patriot Missiles to Ukraine by End of June.

Spain is preparing to send a new batch of Patriot missiles to Ukraine by the end of June, in response to Kyiv's ongoing request for additional air defense systems amid Russian attacks. These Patriot missiles, supplied by Spain and other allies, are crucial for bolstering Ukraine's air defense capabilities and protecting its infrastructure and citizens against Russian air strikes. Since March 2024, Russia has intensified its air attacks, targeting power plants and other critical infrastructure in Ukraine.
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The Patriot system is a long-range, all-altitude, all-weather air defense system designed to counter various aerial threats. (Picture source: Spanish MoD)

Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles announced that these missiles are already en route to Ukraine, with arrival expected in the coming days. This announcement is part of a broader Spanish military support effort to Ukraine, which also includes the delivery of Leopard battle tanks, anti-drone systems, optronic surveillance systems, and 155mm shells.

Ukraine currently has one Patriot battery supplied by the United States, another by Germany, and two additional launchers sent by the Netherlands.

The Patriot system is a long-range, all-altitude, all-weather air defense system designed to counter various aerial threats. Each Patriot missile weighs 900 kg and measures 5.8 meters in length. A single Patriot battery can be armed with four missiles.

This system is widely used by several countries, including Germany, Greece, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, the Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. Its global adoption attests to its effectiveness and reliability. Additionally, the system has proven its battlefield effectiveness in Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian forces do not have enough Patriot systems due to their high cost.

The Patriot missile has a range of 70 km and is guided by a passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar, which includes an identification friend or foe (IFF) system, electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM), and track-via-missile (TVM) guidance. This sophisticated radar, coupled with the AN/MSQ-104 engagement control system, the OE-349 antenna mast group, and the EPP-III electric power plant, allows for precise threat detection and interception.

The missile is equipped with a 90 kg warhead containing M248 Composition B explosive with fragmentation, enhanced by two layers of pre-formed fragments and Octol 75/25 for maximum effectiveness against aerial targets. The associated radar, such as the AN/MPQ-53 or -65, plays a crucial role in detecting and tracking targets, ensuring optimal coverage and protection.

Robles emphasized the importance of this aid to enable Ukraine to defend itself effectively against ongoing attacks. During a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, she reiterated Spain's commitment to support Ukraine for as long as necessary. Spanish support is part of a collective effort by EU and NATO countries to provide Ukraine with the means to protect its sovereignty and respond to Russian aggression.