Netherlands fails to assemble promised Patriot system to Ukraine
Illustrative picture / NATO
The Netherlands has been unable to assemble a full Patriot air defense system for Ukraine because one of the partner countries did not meet its obligations.
This was reported by NL Times, citing the Dutch Ministry of Defense.
At the end of May, the Netherlands announced its intention to provide Ukraine with another Patriot air defense system in cooperation with other countries, where the Netherlands would provide the main components, and other partners would supply the additional ones.
At the time, the Netherlands publicly declared its readiness to purchase the Patriot battery. "With our proposal, and if other potential partner countries are able to supply components and ammunition, we can provide Ukraine with at least one complete system in the short term," said Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren.
A month later, the minister announced that another country had been found to cooperate on this donation. However, it later emerged that one unnamed state did not fulfill its part of the agreement.
Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans assured that the Netherlands has already sent a radar and will soon deliver three launchers. However, they are still searching for additional components and continuing negotiations with other partners. "We are still working on it. Discussions are ongoing with several partners," Brekelmans stated.
Patriot air defense system for Ukraine
Earlier, former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine had identified 100 available Patriots globally, but first wants to acquire seven to defend against Russian missiles. Ukraine is also ready to borrow seven Patriot batteries.
In July, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine had strengthened its air defense with a Patriot system from Germany. On September 5, the President stated that Ukraine is expecting international partners to deliver a full package of decisions on air defense systems and other military aid. He also thanked Romania for providing a Patriot system.
Ukraine is currently in talks with partners regarding the transfer of four Patriot air defense systems.
Washington works on substantial military aid package for Ukraine, expected by end of September
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