The German Ministry of Defense has placed an order for additional Patriot air defense systems, according to an announcement by Raytheon. The contract, valued at $1.2 billion, includes the delivery of more launchers and radars for the air defense system. The new systems will be used to supplement Germany’s existing fleet of air defense systems and replace those that were transferred to Ukraine. The purchase includes the most current Patriot Configuration 3+ radars, launchers, command and control stations, spare parts, and support. The Patriot air defense systems are currently in service with several European countries, including Spain, Romania, Sweden, Poland, Greece, the Netherlands, and Ukraine.

In addition to their ability to hit ballistic and air targets, the Patriot systems have demonstrated high efficiency in intercepting Russian ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles. The move comes in response to a commitment by NATO member states to provide Ukraine with new air defense systems. The statement, signed by US President Joe Biden, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, includes plans to transfer additional Patriot batteries and components to Ukraine. Furthermore, Italy will provide an additional SAMP/T system to support Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.

ملخص الأخبار

• Raytheon president highlights Patriot’s global defense role.
• Patriot systems efficiently intercept various Russian missiles.
• NATO members commit to providing Ukraine with new air defense systems.