Germany to supply Ukraine with two Patriot systems – Reuters

Germany said it would deliver two Patriot systems to Ukraine after reaching an agreement with the United States that Berlin would be first in line to receive the latest systems in exchange for those it is giving away, Reuters reports.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that thanks to US commitments, the country "can initially support Ukraine with launchers and then with additional components of the Patriot system."

In the coming days, Germany will deliver additional Patriot launchers to Ukraine, and in two to three months, additional components of the system will be transferred.

In return, Berlin will receive new Patriot systems from the United States at an accelerated pace, for which it provides funding.

Ukraine's air defense needs have become more urgent as Russia has stepped up its air strikes across the country this summer, and Patriot systems have proven effective in destroying Russian ballistic missiles.

According to Reuters, Germany has already delivered three of its Patriot systems to Ukraine and has now stated that sending additional systems will not affect its contribution to the NATO defense alliance.

The US Department of Defense recently informed Switzerland that it would review the priorities for the supply of Patriot systems to support Ukraine. As a result, Switzerland will receive the ordered systems later than expected.