Spain to supply €50 million worth of Patriot missiles to Ukraine.

According to El Pais on April 26, 2024, Spain has agreed to supply a batch of 50 Patriot missiles to Ukraine, adhering to requests from NATO and the EU for European countries equipped with this American-made system to support Ukraine's air defense against potential Russian attacks. Government sources disclosed that Spain's Ministry of Defense has decided to supply only the missiles, each valued at over one million euros.
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The Spanish Army currently possesses three MIM-104 Patriot batteries, acquired second-hand from Germany in 2004 and 2014. (Picture source: Spanish Army)

The refusal to send complete MIM-104 Patriot systems stems from the strategic need to retain these batteries, which also include missile launchers, radar, and control stations, within Spain's borders, especially since one of Spain's three Patriot batteries has been deployed on the Turkish-Syrian border since 2013. The Spanish Army currently possesses three Patriot batteries, acquired second-hand from Germany in 2004 and 2014. While one battery is located in Adana, Turkey, the other two are stationed at the Marines base in Valencia. Notably, one of these batteries is utilized for training Ukrainian and Spanish soldiers in operating the system.

Despite a request from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the transfer of six batteries to defend key locations against a potential Russian offensive, the Spanish Ministry of Defense has declined, citing the critical importance of these systems in national and allied air defense. As a compromise, Spain has agreed to supply a limited number of Patriot missiles to Ukraine, given the country's war reserve of approximately fifty units and the high cost of interceptors.

This supply decision coincides with plans to enhance Spain’s defense capabilities with a complete group of Patriot systems with more advanced configurations through a US Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Spain worth approximately $2.8 billion. This sale includes four PATRIOT Configuration-3+ Modernized Fire Units and additional equipment. The specifics of the package encompass 51 PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhanced (MSE) missiles, 24 M903 launch stations, 4 AN/MPQ-65 radar sets, 4 AN/MSQ-132 Engagement Control Stations, and various other related systems such as 2 Information Coordination Central (ICC) units and 8 Antenna Mast Groups. This purchase is pending a governmental approval process in Spain, with new systems expected no earlier than 2028 or 2029, leaving the Spanish Armed Forces to manage air defense with current resources.

In addition to missile support, the Spanish government plans to deliver 19 additional Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks to Ukraine by September 2024. This initiative, subject to confirmation by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, would facilitate the replacement of all Ukrainian Leopard 2A4 tanks damaged or destroyed by Russian forces during the conflict. The provision of further anti-aircraft systems by Spain is constrained by limited resources; Spain operates only four Nasams batteries, with ongoing commitments in Latvia and Estonia. Although Spain previously supplied 12 Hawk missile launchers to Ukraine, the cessation of their production and the depletion of existing stocks pose challenges to additional support.

As reported by Army Recognition, Ukrainian soldiers are being trained in Spain to use and maintain several air defense systems, including the MIM-104 Patriot missile systems. This training also covers the NASAMS air defense system, with instruction provided by Spanish Army personnel at both the Toledo Training Coordination Centre and the Tentegorra barracks in Cartagena. Additionally, over 200 Ukrainian soldiers participated in a five-week course at the Italian Infantry Academy in Toledo, focusing on the operation of the Hawk air defense missile system. These sessions aim to equip Ukrainian forces with the necessary skills for the maintenance and effective use of these systems in defense operations.

The MIM-104 Patriot is a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system utilized primarily by the United States Army and allied nations for air and missile defense purposes. Developed by Raytheon and first deployed in 1984, the system has undergone several upgrades over time. It is recognized for its mobility and modular design, enabling quick deployment within approximately an hour. The system integrates radar systems and aerial interceptor missiles, capable of engaging multiple airborne threats simultaneously. It has been employed in various conflicts, effectively countering aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones.

In terms of capabilities, the Patriot system comprises different launcher and missile variants, including the PAC-2 and the more advanced PAC-3, which enhances ballistic missile defense. Its radars, such as the AN/MPQ-53 and the newer AN/MPQ-65, provide comprehensive target detection and tracking capabilities. The PAC-3 variant incorporates the MSE (Missile Segment Enhancement), extending its reach and defended area size, particularly notable for intercepting tactical ballistic missiles. The engagement control stations enable nearly autonomous operation, requiring minimal human input for interceptions. Continuous upgrades in hardware, software, and interoperability with other defense systems, like the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), contribute to the Patriot's utility in modern integrated air and missile defense architectures.