Germany says it has priority for US-made Patriot air defence systems to backfill Ukraine aid
Multiple NATO countries have pledged to send their own Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine over recent years to help the country fend off Russian air attacks, but that has sparked confusion over how quickly such weaponry can be replaced.
'It has been agreed with the US Department of Defence that Germany will be the first nation to receive newly produced Patriot systems of the latest generation in return' for their delivery to Ukraine, the German defence ministry stated on Friday.
Ukraine has already received three Patriot systems from Germany and was promised five more. In addition, Germany is deploying two of their batteries to NATO's eastern flank. The new deal reprioritises US deliveries and has delayed the fulfilment of standing orders from Switzerland. Ukraine, under continued Russian air attacks, has been asking for more air defence capabilities for years. "We have requested ten," Zelenskyy said previously, adding that he has received official confirmation for two systems from Germany and one from Norway.
The launchers of the new Patriot system will be delivered in the next few days, according to Germany.
(jp)
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