Kiev has long been asking its allies for the Patriot air defense system. While Germany hesitates, Washington is apparently considering a delivery. Secretary of Defense Austin could give the green light as early as this week.
According to a report, the US government is planning to deliver the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. The project still has to be approved by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the broadcaster CNN reported, citing unnamed government sources. The plans could be made official later this week.
The Patriot system (“Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target”) is used to combat aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. It is based on the interaction of several radar devices that pass on information about approaching flying objects to guided missiles; these should then destroy it in the air. The US-designed Patriot missile defense system is used by several NATO countries, including Germany.
According to CNN, it was unclear how many Patriot batteries would be delivered to Ukraine. The United States is already delivering HIMARS multiple rocket launchers and the Nasams air defense system to Ukraine.
Ukraine, attacked by Russia, keeps pushing for better anti-aircraft defenses. Patriots need Ukraine “one of the most urgently,” said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba at the sidelines of the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Bucharest at the end of November. Poland had previously called on Germany to make the Patriot system available to Ukraine for this purpose.
In Bucharest, Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said she was reluctant to hand over the Patriots to Kiev. Baerbock emphasized that NATO must ensure that it has sufficient material “in its own alliance area”.
Just last week, the US government announced millions in additional military aid to defend against Russia. US military support to Kiev totals $20 billion since US President Joe Biden took office in early 2021.
