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The German government is considering sending a fourth American-made MIM-104 Patriot long-range air defense system to Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on June 7, citing sources familiar with the matter.
According to the sources, Germany has not yet made a final decision on the delivery of the fourth Patriot system, which costs around $1.1 billion.
Last year, Ukraine received two Patriot batteries and two launchers from Germany and another battery from the United States with two additional launchers donated by the Netherlands. Most of these systems have already been damaged or destroyed by the Russian military.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said recently that Ukraine needs 25 Patriots to cover the entire country, but his Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that he is for now focused on securing just seven systems to protect only the largest cities in the country.
In response to these Ukrainian demands, Germany confirmed last May that it will supply a third Patriot system to Kiev forces.
Furthermore, the United States is reportedly working to supply Ukraine with an additional Patriot. The Netherlands also wants to deliver another Patriot to Kiev forces in the short term jointly with other countries, according to recent statements by the Dutch Defense Ministry.
In addition, Romania said recently it was open to discussing sending one of its systems. However, a decision is yet to be made.
Other countries were not as enthusiastic about the Ukrainian demands. Greece refused requests to supply any of its Patriot to Kiev forces. Spain also refused, but said that it would supply additional missiles.
The additional Patriot system Ukraine could get from Germany and others will most likely meet the same fate as the ones supplied to Ukraine before.
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