U.S. and Germany to supply five Patriot systems to Ukraine

Reuters

Germany and the U.S. will deliver five Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine as Russian missile attacks intensify, signaling a renewed Western push to strengthen Kyiv's defenses, according to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

The announcement was made during the 29th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting and follows Pistorius’ recent trip to Washington, where he reached the deal with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

This comes amid a spike in Russian ballistic and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv,. 

The Patriot missile system, capable of intercepting advanced ballistic and cruise missiles, is considered one of the most effective air defence tools in the world. With the war now in its fourth year, Ukraine sees these systems as critical to shielding its population and infrastructure from long-range Russian strikes.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed earlier this month that Washington would send Patriot systems to NATO for redistribution to Ukraine, reversing an earlier pause in arms transfers. Trump stated the alliance would finance the move, and later announced that the shipments had already begun.

Germany will fund two of the systems, while Norway is contributing one and has expressed readiness to finance more. Norway, a NATO founding member, is a strong supporter of Ukraine, pledging F-16 fighter jets and a $7 billion aid package over five years.

Currently, the U.S. has supplied three Patriot batteries to Ukraine, with three more from Germany and an additional one from a European coalition. Some are undergoing routine maintenance.

Switzerland, which had ordered Patriot systems scheduled for delivery between 2027–2028, has been informed by the U.S. that the order may be delayed as the units are redirected to meet Ukraine’s urgent needs.

It remains unclear whether the systems will go directly to Ukraine or be used to backfill NATO allies donating their systems to Kyiv.

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