Ukraine to get German Patriot interceptors

Germany is sending Ukraine more Patriot air-defence interceptor missiles from its own military stockpiles, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on September 8, as Kyiv pressed supporters for urgent supplies against Russian drone and missile strikes.

Pistorius told an online meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group that he had decided to deliver "urgently needed" PAK-2 interceptor missiles from Bundeswehr stocks to Ukraine. He did not specify how many interceptors would be sent or when they would arrive.

Pistorius also urged other supporters of Ukraine to examine their own stockpiles and make similar deliveries. "I am aware that it is not easy to strike a balance between one's own security requirements and urgently needed support to Ukraine," he said. "But please, if in doubt, decide in favour for Ukraine."

Ukraine has warned that it urgently needs US-made Patriot systems and interceptors as Moscow intensifies ballistic missile strikes on the capital. Patriot interceptors are among the few air-defence weapons in Kyiv's arsenal capable of shooting down ballistic missiles.

The United Kingdom announced earlier on September 8 that it was releasing £100 million ($135 million) for interceptors, large-calibre ammunition and drones for Kyiv.

Ukraine's acting defence minister Yevgeniy Khmara told the meeting that air-defence weapons were important as Ukraine tries to fend off increased Russian drone and missile strikes. He said Ukraine was placing orders for roughly 1,000 Patriot interceptors with help from supporters and a European Union loan, but that most would only start to be shipped in coming years.

"We ask that you supply us the missiles from your stockpiles today," Khmara told Pistorius and other officials from countries supporting Ukraine.