Ukraine is preparing to purchase ten Patriot air defense systems to ensure the safety of its cities. This was announced by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.
This is reported by Kyiv24
In his statement, he noted:
“One system costs 1.5 billion dollars, we are ready to buy, and we need at least 10 systems to cover some cities, specifically civilian areas, city centers where people gather. And that amounts to 15 billion. We are ready to pay these 15 billion dollars, we will find the money and cover all costs.”
Zelensky also emphasized that he does not understand why an agreement to obtain additional Patriot systems for Ukraine has not yet been reached.
“Moreover, there was an agreement at the NATO summit in Washington, the anniversary summit. And we still have not received those additional Patriot systems. I respect the choice of the United States, but when the United States does not provide or sell us such systems, we are open to any format. The issue is not about money, and some European partners are ready to help financially so that we can acquire the necessary expensive systems.”
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Production of Patriot Systems in Ukraine
Zelensky is also considering the possibility of obtaining licenses for the production of Patriot systems and their missiles.
“I have requested licenses for the production of Patriot systems and missiles for these systems. We wanted to pay for this, to have the licenses, and then understand how and in what timeframe we can build a full-fledged system to secure our skies.”
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The President noted that many countries have Patriot systems that are not engaged in combat operations, and they could transfer them to Ukraine.
“We were even ready to receive them on lease. Understanding that if there is a challenge in one country or another, if they need to return them very quickly, we will return them. There are many formats to ensure this – the desire is what matters.”
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Calls to Western Allies
Kyiv is actively urging its Western partners to supply more modern weapons and air defense systems. This will help Ukraine not only protect its airspace but also strike military targets on Russian territory, preventing new attacks from Moscow.
It is worth noting that earlier, the head of the communications department of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Yuriy Ihnat, reported that Russia’s modernization of cruise missiles complicates the tasks even for the most advanced air defense systems, including the Patriot missile system.