It must be expected that Russia will try again in winter to threaten Ukraine’s infrastructure and cities with missile attacks, drone attacks and anything else.
These were precisely the words of the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the beginning of October in Granada (Spain), when he addressed the press and pledged another Patriot air defence system to Ukraine, which would provide “very effective support”.
And he was right. Even before promising to deliver another Patriot system to Ukraine, Germany had already done more than anyone else in terms of Patriot deliveries. But another battery is an invaluable improvement in security and was recognised internationally.
Even if it is still not clear whether the Patriot battery will actually remain permanently stationed in Ukraine — thanks to the contradictory statements in the past, it is at least vital for the winter.
Now, just in time for the start of winter and before the end of 2023, a spokesperson of the German Luftwaffe (Air Force) has confirmed to me that the pledged Patriot battery has been delivered.
This means that Germany has now supplied a total of two Patriot batteries and two extra launchers to Ukraine. In addition, of course, ammunition was also delivered three times now. A journey.
Training of the air defence crews
61 Ukrainian soldiers began their training in October. In the same month that the system was promised by Scholz. 10 language mediators supported the training in Germany.
After around four and a half weeks, they had already completed the training. This was announced by the Commander of the multinational Special Training Command, Lieutenant General Andreas Marlow.
Record time, which indicates that most likely an experienced air defence crew was sent to Germany. The first crew which trained on the Patriot system earlier this year needed several weeks more.
Image: Bundeswehr/Marco DorowAll that was missing after the training was completed was to deliver the Patriot battery to Ukraine. This has now officially happened. A spokesperson of the German Luftwaffe (Air Force) confirmed to me today that Germany has delivered the system to Ukraine.
In October, just a few days after Scholz promised the system, the German Ministry of Defence announced the configuration of the battery.
In addition to the fire control station, a radar unit and eight launchers, 60 missiles were also expected to be delivered. Unfortunately, I can’t say whether anything has changed regarding the expected 60 missiles. But if anything has changed, it’s not much.
Germany has already supplied Patriot ammunition to Ukraine twice before. The first time was together with the first delivered Patriot system, which included 100 missiles. In June, the delivery of a further 64 missiles was announced, which were delivered shortly afterwards. Therefore, the amount fits when you compare it with the two previous deliveries.
Of course, I can’t say exactly where the battery is being deployed now. However, you really have to be a rocket scientist to say where it would probably be. For example, the Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced that the Odesa region would be protected by more “very powerful” air defence systems in the future.
No matter where the new Patriot system supplied by Germany is now deployed, it will save lives and make the skies in Ukraine much safer.
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