Germany ready with “advanced” Patriot missiles to plug hole in those sent to Ukraine

2024-08-06 16:29:15

The constant transfer of weapons to Ukraine, repeated requests from its President, Volodomir Zelensky, began to have domestic consequences in some countries, which began to sound alarm in what they thought shortage is possible both weapon and defense.

The latest to do so is the German Defense Ministry. Whether it is a real problem or a direct result of the growing fear of Russia (or the third option, a strategy by the arms industry to increase its business), the fact is that Berlin is determined. add weapons weapons… for what might happen.

At the center of the debate are the coveted Patriot missiles, one of the weapons that Zelensky has requested most from the Western powers, possibly with the F-16 fighter jets that have just arrived in his territory (which have become , by the way. , a priority for Moscow). On the same Tuesday, Berlin announced that it will acquire more missiles of this type, as well as a new model, in the future, and that it will do so with NATO support.

The NATO Support Support Program of the Atlantic Alliance (NSPA) has confirmed that it will support Germany with a contract for the purchase of additional Patriot Enhanced Missiles (GEM-T) to supplement the German inventory. Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway have agreed to participate in the financing of this property, NSPA said in a statement, according to Efe.

The agency stated that the GEM-T, an upgraded launcher for firing tactical ballistic missiles, is the first element of the proven Patriot air and combat missile defense system.

Eight European countries and Ukraine has Patriot batteries for defense against cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, drones and enemy aircraft. In general, this system It is the air defense base of 19 countries.

In January 2024, the NSPA announced a multi-year strategic agreement to support a combination of countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Romania and Spain, with a total number of up to 1,000 Patriots.

“This contract demonstrates once again that NSPA, as NATO’s main organization for national acquisition, support and stabilization, provides countries with effective and cost-effective multinational solutions, while strengthening domestic capabilities -European performance is strong,” the agency’s Director General, Stacy A Cummings.