NATO makes 'historic' air defense commitment to Ukraine

Responding to Kiev’s request to help it counter Russian airstrikes, NATO countries have promised to provide Ukraine with five more strategic air defense systems. US President Joe Biden announced the “historic donation” during a summit in Washington, where NATO leaders gathered on July 9 to mark the 75th anniversary of the alliance.

According to a statement signed by several NATO members and Ukraine, the United States, Germany and Romania will each fund a new Patriot battery, while the Netherlands “and other partners” will provide components to “facilitate the operation of an additional Patriot battery.” Italy has pledged to supply the new SAMP-T system.

“In addition, in the coming months, the United States and its partners intend to provide Ukraine with dozens of tactical air defense systems, including NASAMS, HAWK, IRIS T-SLM, IRIS T-SLS and Gepard systems,” the statement said.

Overall, Washington has promised to provide Ukraine with “hundreds more air defense interceptors over the next year.”

Speaking to delegates attending the NATO summit, Mr. Biden said that the US would prioritize Ukraine when it comes to providing weapons.

“The United States will ensure that when we export critical defense interceptors, Ukraine will be at the top of the list. They will receive this assistance before anyone else receives it,” the US president said.

Mr Biden reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, adding: “NATO is stronger today than it has ever been in its history.”

Kiev has warned for months that the number of air defense systems delivered so far is not nearly enough to effectively deter Russian airstrikes. Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky told NATO in April that Kiev needed at least seven more Patriot batteries or similar weapons. Moscow said it had destroyed some of the Patriot launchers since 2023.

Russia insists that Western arms supplies will lead to further escalation, but will not ultimately prevent the Russian military from achieving its goals in the conflict.