Ukraine could receive hundreds of guided missiles for Patriot air defense systems over the next four years, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said. His statements came at a press conference following the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting on 15 April, UNIAN reports.
He said that strengthening Ukraine’s air defense remains Germany’s top priority, as it directly concerns the protection of civilians and the daily saving of lives.
Air defense as matter of survival, not just support
Pistorius emphasized that air defense systems are critically important under conditions of massive missile and drone attacks, which is why allies are planning long-term deliveries of interceptors.
He also confirmed the transfer of additional launchers for IRIS-T systems, which should expand Ukraine’s multi-layered air defense architecture.
Germany invests in long-range strike drones
Separately, the minister said that Berlin will finance the production of additional DeepStrike-class long-range drones in Ukraine.
In addition, the sides agreed to jointly develop and produce medium- and long-range strike UAV systems to scale up manufacturing.
War is moving into digital dimension
Pistorius also noted that allies are expanding the exchange of battlefield information in digital formats to accelerate coordination and improve the effectiveness of weapons use.
He also acknowledged an imbalance in financial contributions under the PURL initiative, but stressed that sufficient resources are already available to procure critical systems, missiles, and drones for Ukraine.
Earlier, EU Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius said Ukrainians need about 2,000 anti-ballistic missiles per year.
Meanwhile, Ukraine plans to test whether the European-made SAMP/T air defense system can intercept ballistic missiles later in 2026.
