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10 March, 11:44
Military news

Ukraine to receive 35 Patriot interceptors in coming weeks, German media reports

Ukraine is set to obtain roughly 35 PAC-3 interceptor missiles for its Patriot air defense batteries in the near future, according to a report by the German publication Der Spiegel.

The shipment comes at a time when Ukraine is grappling with a severe shortage of interceptor munitions while Russia continues launching ballistic and cruise missile strikes. Patriot air defense systems - especially the U.S.-developed PAC-3 interceptors - play a crucial role in destroying fast-moving ballistic threats before they reach their targets.

Der Spiegel reports that German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius reached an arrangement with European partners to supply 30 PAC-3 interceptors to Ukraine. Prior to the Munich Security Conference, Pistorius suggested that Germany would add five missiles from its own reserves on the condition that other countries collectively supplied 30 more.

A number of partner nations, including the Netherlands, agreed to help locate additional interceptor stocks. With Germany’s contribution included, the total number of PAC-3 missiles expected to be delivered to Ukraine will be approximately 35.

Germany’s Defense Ministry stated that logistical preparations for the transfer are already in progress, though officials declined to disclose the precise quantity of PAC-3 interceptors included in the shipment.

According to Der Spiegel, Ukraine’s air defense forces typically require about 60 Patriot interceptor missiles each month to maintain an effective defense against ongoing aerial attacks.

The upcoming delivery is being organized at a time when demand for Patriot interceptors is rising worldwide. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously said that during a recent escalation in the Middle East, more than 800 Patriot missiles were launched over just three days—exceeding the total number Ukraine has fired since Russia began its full-scale invasion in 2022.

Berlin also emphasized that it will continue providing Ukraine with a range of additional air defense equipment and support. This assistance includes MANPADS, AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, guided munitions for IRIS-T air defense systems, as well as spare parts needed to service and maintain both Patriot and IRIS-T platforms. Germany also pledged financial backing for the continued development of Ukraine’s domestically produced air defense technologies.