Bild: Germany may send Patriots to Ukraine from Bundeswehr reserves

Germany plans to finance the transfer of a Patriot air defence system to Ukraine, but the system is currently undergoing upgrades and will not be ready for at least six months, Bild reports.

The publication notes that this Patriot system was originally intended for Switzerland, which was moved down the queue in favour of Ukraine. Germany will cover the costs.

However, the system is still being upgraded by the American defence contractor Raytheon and is expected to be ready no earlier than six to eight months from now.

To accelerate deliveries to Ukraine, Germany is considering sending Patriot systems from its own armed forces’ reserves. Replacement orders would then need to be placed with Raytheon, with delivery expected to take several years.

Bild also points out that Germany currently lacks sufficient air defence capabilities.

At the start of the war, the Bundeswehr had 12 Patriot systems, of which three were transferred to Ukraine, and two were deployed in Poland to protect the airport in Rzeszów.

Additionally, according to Bild, three systems are currently undergoing upgrades by the German armed forces and are therefore not operational, and at least one more is needed for training exercises.

Thus, Germany presently has a maximum of three Patriot units available for its own air defence. If another system is sent to Ukraine, only two will remain.

Meanwhile, the publication reminds that Germany expects deliveries of Patriot systems ordered by the previous government. The first is due by the end of 2026, with the remainder arriving by 2029.

By Vugar Khalilov