New Patriot missiles for Ukraine underway

WASHINGTON: The US will provide Ukraine additional Patriot missiles for its air defence systems as part of a massive Us$6bil (Rm29bil) additional aid package, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced.

The missiles will be used to replenish previously supplied Patriot systems.

The package also includes more munitions for the National Advanced Surface-to-air Missile Systems and additional gear to integrate Western air defence launchers, missiles and radars into Ukraine’s existing weaponry, much of which still dates back to the Soviet era.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the need for Patriots early Friday with the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, a coalition of about 50 countries gathering virtually in a Pentagonled meeting.

The meeting fell on the second anniversary of the group, which Austin said has “moved heaven and earth” since April 2022 to source millions of rounds of ammunition, rocket systems, armoured vehicles and even jets to help Ukraine rebuff Russia’s invasion.

Zelenskyy said at least seven Patriot systems are needed to protect Ukrainian cities.

“We urgently need Patriot systems and missiles for them,” Zelenskyy said.

“This is what can and should save lives right now.”

At a Pentagon press conference following the meeting, Austin said the US was working with allies to resource additional Patriot systems but did not commit to sending more US versions.

He said he has been speaking one-on-one with a number of his European counterparts in recent days to hash out this issue and others.