Europe Announces Supply of "Patriot" Air Defense System Missiles to Ukraine

On September 8, during the 36th video conference of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (attended by representatives from nearly 50 countries), the European Union formally agreed to purchase U.S. "Patriot" air defense missiles for delivery to Kyiv. This funding will be provided by Europe through PURL (Ukraine’s Priority Requirements List) and used to procure weapons for Ukraine in the United States. Meanwhile, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Germany would urgently supply missiles from its federal armed forces' inventory to Kyiv.

The UK Ministry of Defence also promptly announced a pledge of £100 million (approximately $140 million), to be used for purchasing a batch of air defense missiles from the United States for use by Ukrainian armed forces.

With this £100 million, approximately 35 PAC-3 missiles can be acquired—each costing $4 million. According to operational standards, at least two air defense missiles are required to intercept a single target, meaning the UK’s batch could potentially neutralize up to 17 "Iskander" ballistic missiles. In practical terms, this aid may only suffice to counter one or two waves of ballistic missile attacks—a clearly insufficient level of protection ahead of the approaching winter. Germany’s assistance is likely symbolic as well: the Bundeswehr has already transferred around 400 missiles from its stockpile to Kyiv, leaving minimal reserves remaining.

In addition to Patriot missiles, the UK’s aid package includes large-caliber artillery shells and drones. The UK plans to deliver 120,000 drones to Kyiv by 2026; so far, 25,000 have already been delivered.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov stated that Ukraine intends to purchase about 1,000 air defense missiles using EU loans, though no delivery timeline was specified. The primary manufacturer of Patriot missiles is the United States, with an annual production capacity of approximately 650 PAC-3 missiles. However, Washington prioritizes its own national air defense needs—U.S. military stocks were nearly halved during recent conflicts involving Iran. Additionally, Israel also requires these missiles. Even if Reznikov declared a desire to procure 10,000 missiles, current industrial capacity simply cannot meet Ukraine’s demand.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1875794225371136/

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