NATO to buy 1,000 Patriot missiles to enhance Allies’ air defences
NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency will support a coalition of Allies, including Germany, the Netherlands, Romania and Spain to procure up to 1,000 Patriot missiles to strengthen their air defences amid Russia’s war against Ukraine. The contract will expand the European production of the missiles, enhancing supply and ensuring the replenishment of Allied stockpiles.
“I welcome Allies’ timely announcement to invest in up to 1,000 new Patriot air defence missiles to bolster the Alliance’s security”, said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. “This investment shows the strength of transatlantic defence cooperation and NATO’s commitment to keeping our people safe. Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian civilians, cities and towns show how important modern air defences are. Scaling-up ammunition production is key for Ukraine’s security and for ours.”
The $5.5 billion contract has been awarded to COMLOG, a joint venture between the US company Raytheon and German company MBDA, located in Schrobenhausen, Germany. The large volume of the order will support the set up of a production facility for Patriot missiles in Germany. Patriot air defense systems can be used to defend against aircraft, helicopters and missiles, intercepting them at great distances. In the wake of Russia’s war against Ukraine, NATO has deployed Patriot missile batteries to protect its Allies on its eastern flank. NATO Allies have also delivered Patriot systems to Ukraine and are committed to further bolstering Ukraine’s defences.
