Germany needs strong assurances from the United States before it sends two more of its Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that European NATO member countries require “ironclad” guarantees that any American Patriot system sent to Ukraine will be replaced within six to eight months.
Context: Trump’s Shift and European Concerns
Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an agreement with NATO chief Mark Rutte for European allies to be supplied with American weapons – particularly Patriot missile systems – to aid Ukraine in its war against Russia. This marked a shift in Trump’s stance, who expressed growing dissatisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s obstruction of efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Germany has offered to finance two Patriot systems, with other NATO allies willing to pay for three more. However, concerns have grown as Washington expects European allies to first send Patriot systems from their existing stockpiles to Ukraine and then await replacements from the United States.
Pistorius emphasized to Der Spiegel that it’s crucial for “countries transferring the systems to be able to fulfill their obligations to NATO and for no security gaps to be created for the alliance.”
The Search for Available Systems
While countries like Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands have expressed readiness to pay for Patriot systems, Pistorius noted that it has not yet been decided which country will provide these systems to Ukraine.
Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, he stated that discussions are ongoing regarding “which countries in Europe and and beyond currently have Patriot systems and how many of them are ready to hand them over.”
“There is money for these Patriot systems. Now we just need them,” Pistorius said.
Germany initially had 12 Patriot systems. It has already sent three to Ukraine and two to Poland. Another system is used solely for training, leaving Germany with only six active systems currently available.
