Ukraine to receive 9 additional air defense systems from NATO countries.

On July 9, 2024, President Joe Biden made a significant announcement during his remarks at the 75th anniversary of NATO, held at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. Biden revealed that NATO allies, including the U.S., Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Italy, will provide Ukraine with a vital air defense package. President Biden emphasized that Ukraine will receive this assistance before any other country and that dozens of additional interceptors will be delivered over the next year to help protect Ukrainian civilians from Russian missile attacks.
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Previous donations of air defense systems to Ukraine included the Patriot, the IRIS-T SLM, the MIM-23 Hawk, and the SAMP/T. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

This new package follows a White House announcement last month that the U.S. would redirect air defense missiles initially contracted for other countries to Ukraine, responding to Kyiv's request for at least seven Patriot missile systems. During the NATO summit, Politico reported on July 9, 2024, that NATO allies will announce the delivery of nine more "Patriot-like" air defense systems to Ukraine by the end of the year. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna confirmed that at least four additional air defense systems are coming, beyond the initial five to be announced. These systems include a Patriot battery from Spain and components for another Patriot from Sweden. Stefanishyna also mentioned that allies will make further announcements on Patriot interceptors and Stinger missiles.

Based on these statements by President Biden and previous articles, Army Recognition can attempt to break down the aid by each named country:

Germany has been actively supporting Ukraine's air defense capabilities. On July 5, 2024, Martin Jaeger, the German Ambassador to Ukraine, announced the arrival of the third Patriot air defense system from Germany. This system is designed to protect Ukraine's population and infrastructure from aircraft, drones, and missiles. On June 14, 2024, the German Ministry of Defense confirmed the delivery of two more IRIS-T air defense missile systems to Ukraine, including one IRIS-T SLS and one IRIS-T SLM.

Germany's ongoing and planned military support to Ukraine includes eight IRIS-T SLM and ten IRIS-T SLS air defense systems. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Additionally, during a visit to Germany on June 12, 2024, the German Defense Minister announced the donation of 100 Patriot missiles to Ukraine during a training session for Ukrainian soldiers on the Patriot defense system. There are also rumors of a fourth Patriot system being delivered by Germany to Ukraine in the near future.

The Netherlands has also committed to enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities. On June 11, 2024, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced via their X account (formerly Twitter) that the Netherlands will supply Ukraine with one Patriot AN/MPQ-53/65 Radar and three additional missile launcher units. This contribution is part of a broader effort to provide a complete Patriot missile battery to Ukraine. The Netherlands has called for international partners to contribute additional critical components, such as an Engagement Control Station, Antenna Mast Group, and Electrical Power Plant, to complete the system.

Romania has pledged to donate a Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine. On June 20, 2024, during a meeting of the Supreme Council of Defense presided over by President Klaus Iohannis, it was decided to donate a Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine. The Romanian Air Force's 74th Patriot Regiment operates both PAC-2 GEM-T and PAC-3 MSE Patriot missile systems. Romania received its first Patriot surface-to-air missile system in September 2020 and completed the delivery of four systems by 2023.

Several NATO countries have provided Ukraine with complete Patriot air defense systems, battery subsystems, and missiles, including the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Spain. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Italy has also announced its intention to send a second SAMP/T air defense system to Ukraine in response to Kyiv's appeals for enhanced protection against Russian missile strikes. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed this decision during a radio interview on June 3, 2024. This announcement follows earlier media reports and confirms that the SAMP/T will be included in a ninth package currently in preparation. Italy, along with France, had previously delivered the first SAMP/T system to Ukraine in 2023, and Ukraine has continued to request additional air defense support in the face of escalating missile attacks targeting its cities and energy infrastructure.

On July 3, 2024, following a missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, the United States announced a military aid package totaling over $2.3 billion. This new support aims to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities amid ongoing Russian aggression. The package includes $2.2 billion from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds, allocated for future acquisitions of air defense interceptors for systems such as the Patriot and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS). Additionally, $150 million from the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) will cover immediate transfers of existing U.S. military equipment. This portion includes various munitions that enhance Ukraine’s artillery capabilities, such as 155mm and 105mm artillery shells, rockets for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), air defense missiles for HAWK systems, TOW missiles, Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems, small arms ammunition, grenades, tactical vehicles, and air navigation systems.

President Biden is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, and his remarks highlight the ongoing commitment of the U.S. and its allies to ensure that Ukraine can effectively defend itself against Russian aggression. Biden's statements underline the resolve of NATO allies to provide comprehensive support to Ukraine in its time of need.

Italy and France delivered at least two SAMP/T air defense systems, also known as Mamba, to Ukraine. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Ukraine's air defense capabilities have recently been augmented with multiple Patriot air defense systems from the United States and Germany, as well as NASAMS interceptors, in response to increased Russian missile and drone attacks. The Patriot systems are essential for countering Russian guided glide bombs, which have targeted Ukrainian infrastructure and frontline positions. Despite these additions, Ukraine continues to experience shortages in air defense missiles and systems, prompting urgent requests for additional support from Western allies.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces utilize a combination of short, medium, and long-range air defense systems. Short-range defenses include Buk-M1 and Stinger missiles, while medium-range capabilities are supported by S-300 systems, MIM-23 Hawk, and NASAMS. The long-range defense is primarily reliant on the Patriot systems. These varied systems are crucial for mitigating damage from Russian missile strikes, which have targeted both military and civilian infrastructure. Effective integration and deployment of these systems remain a significant challenge.

Russia's missile usage in the conflict has been extensive, employing a mix of guided and unguided glide bombs, cruise, and ballistic missiles to strike Ukrainian targets. The recent introduction of the FAB-3000 M-54 bomb, a large glide bomb, adds a new dimension to the threat landscape due to its potential for substantial destruction. This increased missile activity underscores Ukraine's ongoing need to enhance its air defense capabilities. Despite receiving considerable military aid, Ukraine's air defense systems are under significant strain, highlighting the need for sustained international support to counter Russia's missile campaigns.

Ukraine also received medium-range air defense systems from NATO countries, such as the MIM-23 Hawk. (Picture source: Army Recognition)