Germany to allocate $400 million for Patriot missiles for Ukraine

Germany will allocate $400 million to Ukraine for air defence ammunition under the PURL mechanism and for Patriot missiles, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has stated.

He said ahead of the NATO defence ministers’ meeting and the Ramstein format session that Berlin will not reduce its support for Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports, citing Novini LIVE.

He noted that Germany is joining the PURL mechanism for the fourth time, which finances the purchase of US-made weapons and ammunition needed by Ukraine but not produced in Europe.

“This time it is again urgently needed ammunition for air defence systems. In this way we are literally saving human lives every night and every day. This time we are allocating 200 million dollars,” he added.

He also said Germany will support the Jumpstart program, which provides for the purchase of missiles for Patriot systems.

“Through this, guided missiles for Patriot systems are to be procured. We have also agreed to join, allocating 200 million dollars for the purchase of PAC-3 guided missiles. So we are moving forward,” Pistorius stressed.

He further noted that Berlin is calling on other members of the Contact Group to join in funding for PAC-3 missile purchases to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence.

Belgium will also provide significant support, transferring seven F-16 fighter jets this year—three for combat missions and the rest for spare parts.

“F-16s are very good platforms, particularly against missiles, cruise missiles and other threats,” Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken said.

He added that he will propose to the Belgian government in the future to transfer all available F-16s to Ukraine, depending on the arrival of F-35 aircraft. He stressed that Belgium must maintain its own defence capabilities under NATO’s nuclear doctrine, meaning transfers will be gradual.

Francken said he expects to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Brussels to discuss further military assistance.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov