Germany hands over third Patriot air defense system to Ukraine

5 July, 2024 Patriot air defense system of the German armed forces. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of the Federal Republic of Germany Ukraine received the third Patriot air defense system from Germany as part of military aid.

German Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Jaeger announced this on social media. According to him, the Ukrainian crew of this air defense system was successfully trained in Germany. "The third Patriot air defense system from Germany has already arrived in Ukraine.

It will strengthen the protection of the country's population and infrastructure from airplanes, drones and missiles. In recent months, the Ukrainian crew of the system has successfully completed the relevant training in Germany," the diplomat wrote. Germany announced the delivery of another Patriot air defense system to Ukraine in April.

It was the third such delivery to Ukraine.

Launchers of the Patriot system. June 2024. Germany.

Photo credits: Office of the President of Ukraine

This decision was taken by the German government to strengthen Ukraine's air defense in response to the increasing number of Russian air strikes on Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelensky and Boris Pistorius against the background of launchers of the Patriot SAM. June 2024. Germany.

Photo credits: Office of the President of Ukraine

"Russian terror against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure is causing unimaginable suffering. It jeopardizes the energy supply of the population and destroys industrial facilities important for the combat readiness of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. That is why we support Ukraine with another Patriot SAM," emphasized German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

In June, it became known that the Netherlands and another country had also been preparing to provide Ukraine with a Patriot air defense system.

Patriot air defense system launcher of the Netherlands. Photo credits: NATO media library

In addition, the Supreme Council of National Defence has called for the transfer of the Patriot SAM system to Ukraine. Also, the United States elevates Ukraine as a priority recipient of anti-aircraft missiles for air defense systems.

Launch of the MIM-104 anti-aircraft missile.

Photo credits: U.S.

Army

The Norwegian government has contributed a financial package to strengthen air defense and purchase 100 anti-aircraft missiles for Patriot systems.

Western media reported that the USA, Israel, and Ukraine were negotiating to supply Kyiv with Patriot air defense systems, which were decommissioned by the Israeli Defense Forces.