Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on his Telegram channel that Germany has transferred Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.
“We have strengthened the ‘Patriot’ component in our air defense system. I express my gratitude to Germany and Chancellor Friedrich Merz for this joint step,” Zelensky noted.
In addition, the president added that Ukraine, together with its partners, continues to develop a comprehensive air defense system that will ensure security for both Ukrainian territory and its allies. Negotiations are ongoing regarding future enhancements of air defense at the government levels and with the system manufacturers.
In the summer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre reached an agreement to transfer two complete MIM-104 Patriot systems to Ukraine. The United States agreed to replace the systems that were in service with the German army to facilitate this transfer to Kyiv. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius clarified at that time that deliveries would begin after coordination with Washington, under which Berlin would receive new systems in exchange for those transferred.
In October, Zelensky also mentioned preparations for a contract to purchase 25 Patriot systems, specifying that deliveries would occur in phases and be spread over several years, depending on the production capabilities of the manufacturing company.
