Media: Ukraine asks Germany for dozens of Patriot missiles, Berlin yet to decide

Ukraine has asked Germany to provide dozens of additional interceptor missiles for Patriot air defence systems from its own stockpiles this year in order to strengthen the country's protection against Russian attacks.

As reported by Bloomberg, Ukraine has proposed an arrangement under which it would receive the missiles now and later transfer to Germany Patriot interceptors expected to be produced in the future, sources familiar with the matter said. The sources requested anonymity because the discussions are being held behind closed doors.

The proposal was made in light of the global shortage of Patriot missiles and the inability of US industry to meet demand in the short term.

In April, Kyiv secured a €4 billion military aid package from Berlin, which includes funding for hundreds of missiles for the US-made Patriot air defence system.

The German government is reviewing Ukraine's request and has not yet made a decision, although an announcement could come shortly before or during the NATO summit in July, one of the sources said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently disclosed details of an agreement with the US and partner countries on the supply of new Patriot systems, for which funding is currently being urgently sought.

Switzerland ordered five Patriot systems in 2022, initially expecting them to be delivered in 2026-2028, but the timeline has been postponed by four to five years because of the war in Ukraine.

In May, Switzerland eventually said it would be looking into purchasing air defence systems from other suppliers.