Spain will provide a limited quantity of Patriot missiles to Ukraine, as reported by El Pais on Friday, in response to calls from EU and NATO allies for increased military support to Kyiv amidst intensified Russian aerial attacks.
Although the exact number of missiles has not been disclosed, it is known that Spain’s total reserve consists of about 50 units, indicating that the contribution will be modest.
El Pais detailed that this decision follows the Spanish defense ministry’s refusal to allocate to Ukraine a battery that has been stationed on the Turkish-Syrian border since 2013.
The newspaper highlighted the high cost and limited availability of these interceptors, which are effective against Russian ballistic and cruise missiles.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has stated that the country requires 25 Patriots for adequate defense against Russian strikes.
Amidst these developments, a Spanish diplomatic source emphasized to Reuters the need for Spain to enhance its support to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Germany announced on April 13 its plan to send an additional Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, raising its total contributions to three systems. However, expectations for similar support from Greece were quelled on April 25 when Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis confirmed that Greece would not be providing Ukraine with Patriots or S-300 missiles.
Ukraine is advocating for the joint production of Patriot air defense systems with the US, as mentioned by Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S., Oksana Markarova.
She described this initiative as a crucial strategic and economic endeavor that would boost Ukraine’s immediate defense capabilities.
Markarova also noted that discussions have already taken place between Ukrainian and U.S. business representatives about investing and collaborating, emphasizing the importance of Ukraine beginning to manufacture these critical defense components and systems independently.
