Germany Prepares New Batch of PAC-3 Interceptor Missiles for Ukraine

Germany, together with its NATO partners, has gathered a batch of PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Ukraine, which the Patriot air defense system uses to shoot down Russian ballistic missiles.

Der Spiegel reported on this.

According to the outlet, about 30 interceptor missiles were obtained from several European partners.

Germany had previously promised to provide five PAC-3 interceptors from its own military stockpiles.

The media notes that around 35 interceptor missiles, which are in short supply worldwide, are expected to be delivered to Ukraine in the near future.

According to the journalists, Germany’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the delivery to them.

For security reasons, a spokesperson declined to specify the exact size of the new military aid package or when it is scheduled for delivery to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the Ministry emphasized that the package includes not only the urgently needed missiles for the MIM-104 Patriot air defense system.

Germany will also supply Ukraine with additional man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), guided AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, and IRIS-T missiles, as well as spare parts for the Patriot and IRIS-T air defense systems.

In addition, the German government will continue supporting the development of Ukraine’s domestically produced air defense system.

In February, Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Germany could transfer five PAC-3 missiles for the MIM-104 Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, provided that other countries jointly finance and supply another 30 such missiles.

Currently, it is reported that Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian officials have already received more than one-third of Germany’s Patriot systems. Further deliveries are not possible for now because the Bundeswehr must retain enough systems to train personnel to operate these air defense systems and maintain them technically.