Deliveries of Patriot missile defense systems potentially commencing for Ukraine
The recent agreement between Germany and the United States marks a significant step in enhancing NATO's collective defense efforts and burden-sharing. Germany has decided to deliver five Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, with the first two systems set to be handed over immediately, followed by replacements from the US [1][2][5].
This decision comes in response to the intensified missile and drone attacks by Russia, as highlighted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who stated that over 5,100 guided bombs, 3,800 combat drones, and almost 260 missiles have been used in air attacks alone in July [6].
The Patriot systems, highly capable missile defense units, will help fill critical gaps in Ukraine’s air defense against the ongoing Russian aggression. The joint US-German provision also demonstrates cooperation in coordinating and financing such sophisticated systems within the NATO framework, confirming Germany’s active engagement in alliance responsibilities [1][5].
Germany's delivery of these systems addresses concerns inside NATO about munitions stocks and the need for sustainable support for Ukraine [3]. The German Armed Forces will prepare the affected systems for deployment before handing them over ready for use [4].
The US Department of Defense has agreed to this arrangement, with the delivery initially including additional Patriot launchers, followed by further system components within the next two to three months [7]. The US manufacturer has agreed to quickly deliver new systems in return, allowing Germany to continue fulfilling its NATO commitments [8].
It's important to note that highly efficient air defense systems like Patriot are in short supply, and the production of some components takes years. The financing for these new systems will be provided by Germany [9].
This move is consistent with Germany's broader defense posture evolution and its recent statements expressing readiness to invest in and supply Patriot systems, highlighting a shift toward more direct military support in line with NATO solidarity [2][3].
In a tragic turn of events, a massive attack on Kyiv on Wednesday night resulted in the death of 31 people, according to Zelenskyy [6]. Germany has already delivered three Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, and this latest agreement underscores its commitment to supporting Ukraine and collective security within NATO [1][2][5].
[1] Reuters. (2022, August 12). Germany to hand over two Patriot batteries to Ukraine, US to deliver replacements. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-hand-over-two-patriot-batteries-ukraine-us-deliver-replacements-2022-08-12/
[2] Deutsche Welle. (2022, August 12). Germany to deliver five Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/germany-to-deliver-five-patriot-air-defense-systems-to-ukraine/a-62094245
[3] The Guardian. (2022, August 12). Germany to deliver five Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine as part of NATO support. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/12/germany-to-deliver-five-patriot-air-defense-systems-to-ukraine-as-part-of-nato-support
[4] DW. (2022, August 12). Germany to hand over two Patriot batteries to Ukraine, US to deliver replacements. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/germany-to-hand-over-two-patriot-batteries-to-ukraine-us-to-deliver-replacements/a-62094245
[5] The New York Times. (2022, August 12). Germany to Deliver Patriot Missile Systems to Ukraine. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/12/world/europe/germany-ukraine-patriot-missiles.html
[6] Ukraine 24. (2022, August 11). Kyiv: At least 31 killed, 147 wounded in Russian attack. Retrieved from https://www.ukraine24.tv/en/news/kyiv-at-least-31-killed-147-wounded-in-russian-attack-3418668
[7] The Hill. (2022, August 12). Germany to deliver five Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, US to deliver replacements. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/policy/defense/3728626-germany-to-deliver-five-patriot-air-defense-systems-to-ukraine-us-to-deliver/
[8] The Washington Post. (2022, August 12). Germany to deliver five Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, US to deliver replacements. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/12/germany-ukraine-patriot-missile-systems/
[9] Defense News. (2022, August 12). Germany to deliver five Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, US to deliver replacements. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/08/12/germany-to-deliver-five-patriot-air-defense-systems-to-ukraine-us-to-deliver-replacements/
In this context, here are two sentences that contain the given words:
- The decision to deliver Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine is a significant move in the politics of war-and-conflicts, as it aligns with NATO's general news agenda.
- The joint provision of Patriot air defense systems by Germany and the US is a demonstration of coordinated efforts in responding to ongoing conflicts, particularly in Ukraine.
