Germany held negotiations on strengthening of air defense of Ukraine: the initiative failed - Politico

Germany announced the supply of Patriot complexes and expected similar decisions from partners, but reality was disappointed. It is noted that the reasons are money and a long queue for new batteries. Germany's initiative to strengthen Ukrainian air defense has failed. This is stated in Politico from May 22. Germany responded to the call of Ukraine for strengthening the air defense, promising to assist and attract other allies. However, the countries did not want to participate in the initiative.

Germany itself should put three of the 11 Patriot batteries, 50 low-range air defense systems and air-air-air missiles. For several weeks, German officials demanded the departure of complexes and from partners, but the answer was disappointed. Two sources familiar with the details of the negotiations reported that countries do not agree to put Patriot to Ukraine. Although the initiative also covers SAMP/T, NASAMS, HAWK, Iris-T and C-300, these complexes consider the most effective.

Despite the obvious Patriot advantages, it was not easy to reconcile their departure to the Ukrainian troops. However, the countries agreed to provide less assistance. In particular, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Canada and the Netherlands have taken over funding, and France, Spain, Romania, Lithuania, Belgium, USA and the United Kingdom have promised to transfer equipment and missiles. Latvia should also join the program.

It is noted that one of the reasons for the unwillingness to share Patriot is the price. The complex itself costs about a billion dollars, and each interceptor rocket costs millions of dollars. In addition, countries do not want to strike their own air defense. Patriot batteries also have Spain and Greece, but they refused to participate in the initiative. At the same time, the Spaniards agreed to send missiles.

Poland also did not agree to put one of its complexes, stating that it was not a backup option. Switzerland ordered five Patriot, but did not signal the readiness to send batteries to Ukraine, which would soon be decommissioned. The material says that countries are too slowly ordering Patriot to replace. The problem could be solved if the countries with complexes gave way to the place in the queue of those who sacrifice their systems for Ukraine.