Group of Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen starts training on Patriot SAM in Germany

30 October, 2023 The Ukrainian servicemen master the Patriot air defense system in Germany. February 2023. Photo credits: Federal Ministry of Defence

Another group of Ukrainian soldiers has begun mastering the Patriot air defense system in Germany. The German Air Force reported about this on its official Twitter page. The training of Ukrainians started on Monday, October 30.

The current training course on the Patriot air defense system involves 61 Ukrainian servicemen and 10 interpreters. These exercises will last several weeks in Germany. Ukrainians will learn from their German counterparts to operate this air defense system.

Training of Ukrainians on the Patriot system in Germany.

February 2023. Photo credits: German Ministry of Defense

The new training course is linked to the upcoming transfer of another Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. Militarnyi previously reported that on October 10, the German government announced a new large-scale military aid package for Ukraine.

Germany is providing additional air defense equipment, namely the Patriot, IRIS-T, and Gepard systems, to protect Ukraine's critical infrastructure.

The Ukrainian servicemen master the Patriot air defense system in Germany. February 2023. Photo credits: Federal Ministry of Defence

The Patriot system will come from the Bundeswehr's depots, in addition to a fire control station and a radar station, and will include eight launchers and possibly over 60 missiles.

This air defense assistance package is reportedly worth about one billion euros.

Patriot from Germany

Ukraine received the first Patriot SAM system from Germany in April this year. The transfer took place immediately after the completion of training for Ukrainian operators, who began mastering the system in early February.

Patriot air defense system of the German armed forces. Photo credits: Federal Ministry of Defence (Germany)

The course on mastering the Patriot air defense system for approximately 70 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was held at an accelerated pace: six days a week.

The military also learned how to maintain and repair the defense equipment.

Also in August, Germany handed Ukraine two additional Patriot launchers and missiles for this air defense system.