NATO makes 'historic' air defense commitment to Ukraine.
The US-led coalition will provide four new Patriot systems and "dozens" of other interceptor missiles.
Responding to Kyiv's request for assistance in countering Russian airstrikes, NATO countries have pledged to provide Ukraine with five additional strategic air defense systems. US President Joe Biden announced this "historic donation" at the summit in Washington, where NATO leaders met on July 9th to celebrate the alliance's 75th anniversary.
According to a statement signed by several NATO members and Ukraine, the US, 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 new SAMP-T systems.
The statement read: “In addition, in the coming months, the United States and its partners intend to supply Ukraine with dozens of tactical air defense systems, including NASAMS, HAWK, IRIS T-SLM, IRIS T-SLS, and Gepard systems.”
Overall, Washington has promised to provide Ukraine with “hundreds more air defense interceptors over the next year.”
Speaking to delegates at the NATO summit, Biden said that the U.S. would prioritize Ukraine in terms of arms supplies.
"The United States will ensure that when we export critical defensive interceptor assets, Ukraine will be at the top of the list. They will receive this support before anyone else receives it," the U.S. President said.
Biden reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. He added, "Today, NATO is stronger than ever in its history."
Kyiv has warned for months that the number of air defense systems supplied so far is barely sufficient to effectively counter Russian airstrikes. Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky told NATO in April that Kyiv needed at least seven more Patriot batteries or similar weapons. Moscow says it has destroyed several Patriot launchers since 2023.
Russia maintains that Western arms supplies would lead to further escalation, but ultimately would not prevent the Russian military from achieving its objectives in the conflict.
