Several NATO allies have announced plans to order Patriot air defense missiles directly from a U.S. manufacturer for Ukraine, as Kyiv faces a shortage of ammunition needed to counter large-scale Russian attacks, CNN reports.
In addition to supporting NATO’s coordinated program for supplying advanced U.S.-made military equipment, Canada, Denmark, Germany, and Norway unveiled a joint initiative to procure additional Patriot missiles directly from the manufacturer.
Norway also announced an additional $307 million (3 billion Norwegian kroner) in funding to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
“Given the long delivery times for some of these missiles, Norway also plans to purchase Patriot missiles from countries that already possess them, enabling their rapid donation to Ukraine,” Norway’s Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
“Ukraine is successfully intercepting most drones and cruise missiles, but it must strengthen its defenses against ballistic missiles. This is one of Ukraine’s most urgent priorities. Therefore, Norway is now providing 3 billion Norwegian kroner for air defense,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said.
Støre made the announcement shortly after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Ankara.
