Reference News Network, August 3 report. According to the website of Germany's "Süddeutsche Zeitung" on August 1, there is no consensus within the German Federal Armed Forces on whether Germany will continue to provide the "Patriot" system to Ukraine. Recently, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that due to the fragile situation in Europe and the tense relationship with Russia, Germany cannot provide more "Patriot" systems to Ukraine. Currently, Germany has six "Patriot" systems in a state of readiness, covering a large area of air defense radius. However, due to the hesitation of other NATO partners, Germany has decided to deliver two more "Patriot" systems to Ukraine.
Germany originally had 12 such systems. Three have already been delivered to Ukraine, and now it will be increased to five. Pistorius said: "We are taking the initiative again, while also calling on our partners to provide more 'Patriot' systems as soon as possible." He promised that the German Federal Armed Forces will continue to fulfill its air defense commitments to NATO and the training tasks of the air force air defense missile units. Germany also undertakes the training of Ukrainian military personnel operating the "Patriot" system.
However, due to the shortage of "Patriot" systems, Germany will adopt a phased delivery plan. According to a statement from the German Ministry of Defense on August 1, in the first phase, the German Federal Armed Forces will provide "Patriot" missile launchers to Ukraine in the coming days. In the second phase, system components will be delivered within the next 2 to 3 months to enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities by adding additional "Patriot" missile launch units. These systems will be handed over after completing the readiness debugging.
This was facilitated by a change in the attitude of US President Trump - he is now willing to strengthen support for Ukraine through his own way. Since the system is produced in the United States, countries delivering "Patriot" systems to Kyiv will have priority in obtaining replacement systems.
The United States has 64 "Patriot" systems, but there is no indication yet that it is willing to provide them directly.
Germany has placed an additional order for eight "Patriot" systems, worth 280 million euros, with delivery expected by 2030. However, the specific delivery time for the first replacement systems is not clear, with internal estimates suggesting no earlier than 2026. But Pistorius emphasized that the US has clearly committed to replenishing Germany's equipment as soon as possible.
Pistorius said: "This once again proves that Germany is the strongest supporter of Ukraine's air defense field." The German Ministry of Defense emphasized that all costs are borne solely by Germany. Previously, Germany had considered purchasing two systems in the United States and delivering them directly to Ukraine, but this was not achieved. (Translated by Jiao Yu)
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7534199141217124918/
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