Germany Announces At “Ramstein” Transfer Of PAC-2 Missiles To Ukraine From Bundeswehr Arsenals

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced plans to transfer PAC-2 interceptor missiles to Ukraine from Bundeswehr arsenals. This decision was made ahead of a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, held via videoconference on September 8. Pistorius emphasized the urgent need for air defense capabilities in Ukraine, stating that the country's most pressing requirement is protection from Russian air raids.

He did not specify the exact number of missiles that would be transferred. Pistorius also called on other members of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group to review their own stockpiles and make similar deliveries. He stressed the importance of increasing Ukraine's resilience, noting that Russia is primarily targeting Ukraine's economic base and critical infrastructure through air raids.

Pistorius expects Russian air raids to intensify once temperatures drop, potentially causing even more damage. He urged all allies to take steps to support Ukraine, with the understanding that balancing security requirements and assistance can be challenging. Pistorius also highlighted that NATO is open to further significant deliveries of Patriot interceptor missiles by allies.

Additionally, the EU approved the purchase of Patriot missiles for Ukraine worth €3.2 billion, with several EU states making new pledges during an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Wicklow, Ireland. The United Kingdom announced an allocation of £100 million ($135 million) for a package of air defense equipment for Ukraine, including Patriot missiles, ahead of winter.