**US and Germany Agree to Deliver Five Patriot Air Defense Systems to Ukraine**
In a significant move, the US and Germany have agreed to deliver five Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. This decision comes as Russia escalates its long-range strike campaign on Ukraine, including with ballistic missiles that only advanced Patriots can shoot down.
The announcement was made by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on July 21, during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Ramstein, Germany. According to Pistorius, he reached an agreement with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a recent trip to Washington. The coordination process will continue in the coming days.
The Patriot systems are a vital part of Ukraine’s layered air defense, capable of intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles, and providing protection against large-scale strikes on cities. This new commitment follows a previous announcement by US President Donald Trump, who said that NATO and EU allies would purchase US-made weapons systems for Ukraine.
**Russia Escalates Air Attack Campaign**
Just hours before the announcement, Russian forces launched a massive air attack on Ukraine, using 426 Shahed-type drones, Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles, Kalibr cruise missiles, and Kh-101 cruise missiles. This is just the latest in a series of long-range strikes by Russia against Ukraine.
**Previous Deliveries and Future Plans**
The US has already sent three Patriot batteries to Ukraine, with Germany providing three more. An additional battery came from a European coalition, although not all systems are currently operational due to routine maintenance rotations. The new agreement brings the total number of Patriot systems planned for delivery to six.
In July 2025, Donald Trump announced that NATO and EU allies would purchase US-made weapons systems for Ukraine. However, initially, the German defense ministry denied knowledge of any such transfers. Since then, talks among allies have continued, with Germany suggesting discussions on delivering more than three Patriot systems to Ukraine.
The delivery of these five Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine is a significant step in bolstering its defenses against Russia’s long-range strike campaign. As the situation continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the international community is taking steps to support Ukraine in its fight for self-defense and sovereignty.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
