Berlin (dts) - In view of Ukraine's increasing problems in defending itself against Russian air attacks, politicians from the FDP and CDU are demanding that Germany hand over more Patriot missile defense systems. “We could hand over two more systems to Ukraine,” said FDP defense politician Marcus Faber to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”.
The question is, who needs it more urgently? “Two more would of course help to protect other cities in Ukraine.” So far, the Patriot systems have primarily been used to protect Kiev and Odessa. With the help of this protection, it has now been possible to dispatch around 700 grain freighters from Odessa for transport across the Black Sea. Other states are also responsible, said Faber. “Everyone has to see what can be delivered here from our own Patriot missile stocks.”
The Patriot systems can intercept missiles over a large radius. You can control up to 50 targets simultaneously and engage five targets simultaneously, with a maximum range of 68 kilometers. Two systems have been delivered by Germany so far, and according to the Air Force, the Bundeswehr still has ten in its own inventory. Four new Patriot systems worth 1,4 billion euros have been ordered for the Bundeswehr. Faber said that these should be delivered from 2026 - therefore, in his view, supplying two additional systems to Ukraine would be justifiable.
The CDU foreign politician Roderich Kiesewetter is also campaigning for this. “Any Patriot system is better off in Ukraine,” Kiesewetter told SZ. At the same time, Europe should consider purchasing ammunition from the USA or specifically purchasing components of the package blocked by the Republicans there.
Even if Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) rejects this, Kiesewetter continues to call for a rethink on the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles. “It must be clear: if we do not act now and provide Ukraine with everything we have, from drones, electronic warfare, tanks and demining equipment to anti-aircraft defenses to ammunition and long-range precision missiles like Taurus, Russia will come ever closer.” It is important to destroy central Russian supply facilities and command infrastructure “so that Russia can no longer launch attacks from these positions.”
