The Netherlands boosts Ukraine’s defense with another Patriot system

The Netherlands and another unnamed country intend to deliver an additional Patriot system to Ukraine. This support is invaluable for the Ukrainian army, which has been grappling with air defense system shortages for months as it fights against Russia.

The Dutch portal NL Times first reported information about the added Patriot system for Ukraine. According to their journalists, Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren made a declaration confirming that the Netherlands, in collaboration with another country, was able to "assemble a complete missile system from various components."

The Netherlands appears to have implemented a plan announced some time ago. Local authorities invited countries that do not possess complete Patriot complexes but could allocate some components or missiles to cooperate. Kajsa Ollongren did not disclose which country assisted in assembling the Patriot system for Ukraine. She believes the country’s authorities should announce this but is not convinced they will do so, as they may wish to remain anonymous.

Patriot is a surface-to-air missile air and missile defense system manufactured by the American company Raytheon. The system comprises several elements: a launcher, command post, and phased-array radar, which detects targets.

Since these elements are mounted on vehicle platforms, they offer high mobility. The weapon is even more valued for its effectiveness in combating enemy targets. Patriot can handle objects around 100 miles away and moving up to 15 miles at altitudes.

Kajsa Ollongren also commented on the recent decision by the Romanian authorities, who allocated a Patriot system to Ukraine from their resources. This is "very good news" because air defense is crucial for Ukraine and enables it to withstand successive waves of Russian attacks.

Recently, Italy also offered Ukraine assistance in air defense, pledging to hand over another SAMP/T system. The United States is also preparing an aid package that includes hundreds of missiles for the Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems.