German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that PAC-2 intercept missiles will be supplied from the German military stockpile. He urged other allies to also assess what they can make available. In case of doubt, countries should choose to support Ukraine, he said.
The urgency is linked to the upcoming winter. Ukraine quickly needs more means for its air defense. The United Kingdom is also allocating extra funds for this purpose. London has pledged 116 million euros for Patriot missiles and other air defense equipment.
Additional deliveries
Promotion
The additional deliveries were central during the 36th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. Germany and the United Kingdom co-chaired this virtual meeting. European countries are thereby taking a larger role in the political coordination and financing of military aid.
At the same time, some air defense weapons still require American production. European governments are covering a greater share of the financing, while Ukraine remains dependent on equipment from the U.S., including for Patriot ammunition. New production also does not immediately solve current shortages.
With EU funds
Ukraine is working on contracts for about a thousand Patriot missiles, but these will only be delivered in the coming years. Therefore, the emphasis is now on missiles that allies can release from existing stockpiles and send to Ukraine within weeks or months.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also welcomed an agreement among EU countries. This allows Ukraine to use European funds to purchase crucial products for the Patriot air defense systems and thereby better protect its airspace.
More drones as well
Besides air defense, cooperation around drones is also gaining more importance. The first meeting of the EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance will be held on September 11 in Brussels. The initiative aims to connect Ukrainian experience with European development and production of drones and counter-drone systems.
EU Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius will be present at this meeting. The alliance brings together European and Ukrainian companies active in unmanned technology. The participants will evaluate the work done, establish a new work program, and discuss the first further steps.