NATO Summit Sparks Hope: Germany Backs Ukraine's Quest for Patriot Systems
The NATO summit in Brussels allowed Ukrainian diplomacy to make further appeals for assistance, specifically requesting additional air defence systems. The Patriot systems are highly sought after, with Germany having already announced its intention to assist in the search for them. But why is Ukraine particularly keen on acquiring this type of weapon? What makes it stand out?
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed his satisfaction with the outcomes of the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting, highlighting the support and declarations made during the talks. He extended special thanks to Germany for their commitment to sourcing Patriots for Ukraine on a global scale.
"Inspired by the strong appeal from the Ukrainian foreign minister, we are set to engage with Europe once more. We aim to have everyone review their air defence capabilities to see how they can support Ukraine. Additionally, we will extend our search globally and arrange the necessary funding," stated German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
Search for Patriot systems for Ukraine
The Patriot, developed by Raytheon in the United States, is a ground-to-air missile and air defence system. Its components, mounted on vehicle platforms, offer significant mobility. A standard Patriot system comprises launchers, a computerized command post, and a phased-array radar.
A Patriot system’s capabilities vary based on the radar version, target type, and missiles employed. It can intercept hostile entities up to approximately 160 kilometres away and at altitudes reaching 24 kilometres. While MIM-104A missile variants achieve speeds of about 3 Mach, the PAC-2 and PAC-3 variants can reach speeds up to 5 Mach.
Ukraine has received several Patriot system batteries and frequently highlighted their effectiveness. The systems have proven crucial in protecting Ukrainian cities and inflicting significant losses on Russian aviation.
Who can supply Ukraine with Patriot systems?
The Ukrainian military-focused portal Defence Express points out that despite Germany's willingness to help, there might be limitations. It notes that most NATO countries are unlikely to part with more Patriots, prioritizing the protection of their own territories and critical assets. Besides the United States, which possesses around 60 batteries, other NATO members typically have only a few at their disposal.
Asian nations such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan also have Patriot systems. However, each faces challenges, including specific weapon export policies and strained relationships with neighbouring countries, which make effective negotiation difficult, as Defence Express observed.
Furthermore, some Middle Eastern countries are equipped with Patriot systems. In this region, Germany's diplomatic outreach might face obstacles. Defence Express refers to the complex negotiations concerning weapon exports to Saudi Arabia, a topic previously extensively covered in WP Tech.
