Ukraine has long been asking for reinforcements for its air defense system to defend itself against Russia. At the NATO summit in Washington, US President Biden promised another “Patriot” system.
At the start of the NATO summit in Washington, US President Joe Biden announced an additional “Patriot” air defense system from the United States for Ukraine. Together with already known contributions from Germany, Romania, the Netherlands and Italy, “five strategic air defense systems” have been brought together, Biden said at a ceremony marking the alliance’s 75th anniversary.
In his speech to the heads of state and government, Biden said that Ukraine should also receive hundreds of additional interceptor missiles over the next year to protect Ukrainian cities from Russian missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had warned in recent months that more “Patriot” systems were needed to protect Ukrainian cities and metropolitan areas.
“We are working on further commitments this year,” said a joint statement by Biden, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and the heads of state and government of Romania, the Netherlands and Italy. “Our message to Moscow and the world is clear: our support for Ukraine is strong and steadfast.”
“Patriot” systems for Ukraine
The USA had already provided Ukraine with a “Patriot” system. Biden approved the delivery around a year and a half ago, when Zelensky traveled to the USA for his first foreign trip since the start of the Russian war of aggression. The US government also regularly supplies Ukraine with additional ammunition for the “Patriot” system. Kyiv says it has so far received a total of four “Patriot” systems. Germany has provided three of them. Another has been promised by Romania, among others.
What is the Patriot air defense system?
The Patriot air defense system consists of radar-based guided missiles. The system is considered one of the most modern air defense weapons in the world. The launch containers and radar systems are usually mounted on semi-trailers and trucks, making them mobile. The system was developed in the USA in the 1960s. German companies were also involved in its production. The missiles can be used to combat aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. It is not suitable for defending against small projectiles such as mortar shells.
The “Patriot” system can attack up to five targets simultaneously. The Federal Republic of Germany introduced the weapon in 1989. According to the manufacturer, twelve countries have “Patriot” systems – including six NATO countries.
The war in Ukraine is one of the main topics at the NATO summit in Washington. The heads of state and government of the 32 member states of the defense alliance are celebrating NATO’s 75th anniversary there.
Selenskyj thanks allied states
Zelensky thanked the US, Germany and other NATO countries for the planned strengthening of his country’s air defense. He was grateful to the partners for adopting this declaration in support of the Ukrainian air defense system, Zelensky wrote on the X platform. The additional air defense systems would help destroy Russian drones and missiles and better protect Ukrainians from Russian air terror.
Zelensky further wrote that this was another important step following the US decision to give priority to Ukraine in the supply of air defense missiles. He was grateful to Biden for his leadership and to all partner countries for their commitment.
Biden careful about appearance
The 81-year-old Biden appeared combative during his speech, which was interrupted several times by applause. He was clearly trying to correct the impression he had made in the televised debate against Republican challenger Donald Trump a good ten days ago. In the first televised debate, Biden had appeared erratic and at times absent. Members of his Democratic Party then questioned his ability to lead.
The NATO meeting comes at the height of the US election campaign. Presidential elections will take place in the USA in November.