United to win: Netherlands rushes to assemble Patriot air defense system for Ukraine
Photo: Serhii Mykhalchuk
The Netherlands plans to quickly assemble the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system and send it to Ukraine. It also encourages other countries with this air defense system to join.
The Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands reports this.
The Dutch government emphasizes that they are aware of the shortage of Patriot systems, but they are also convinced that "Ukraine is also fighting for Europe, and its military capabilities, energy production, and vital infrastructure are under daily attack."
"Industrial suppliers have committed to speed up the production and delivery of spare components. We are counting on this," added the Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, Kajsa Ollongren.
As noted, the Netherlands provides the main components from its own stocks. At the same time, Amsterdam also identified which countries could potentially provide parts and ammunition from their stockpiles.
Ollongren calls on these countries to join the project.
"We are negotiating with countries about the assembly of the Patriot system, as well as the training of Ukrainian crews.
If other potential partner countries can supply parts and ammunition, we will be able to provide Ukraine with at least one complete system in the short term," she emphasized.
For reference:
- France will supply Ukraine with a new batch of Aster anti-aircraft missiles for the SAMP/T air defense system.
- The United States of America is considering sending another Patriot battery to Ukraine.
- Germany will hand over the IRIS-T air defense system to Ukraine in May.
- At the same time, Ukraine will receive the third Patriot air defense system from Germany.
- The Netherlands has publicly announced its readiness to purchase a Patriot battery for Ukraine.
At the same time, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, said that Ukraine is currently negotiating the transfer of four Patriot batteries.
It should be added that the German defense concern Rheinmetall plans to open an enterprise specializing in air defense systems in Ukraine.
