Ukraine Asks Partners For 300 Patriot Missiles From Existing Stocks DM Khmara

(MENAFN- UkrinForm) Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara said this during the 36th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

Khmara said that with the help of partners and funding from an EU loan, Ukraine is signing contracts for approximately 1,000 missiles for Patriot systems. However, most of these missiles will only begin to be delivered over the coming years.

“That is why we ask that you supply us with the missiles from your stocks today in exchange for future improved missiles from our contracts,” the minister said.

Khmara also emphasized the need to supply Ukraine with man-portable air defense systems and air-to-air missiles to counter jet-powered Shahed drones and cruise missiles.

According to him, dozens of Ukrainian companies are working on cheaper means of intercepting jet-powered attack drones, and some of the interceptors developed are already being tested in combat conditions.

The minister also urged partners to make decisions on financing Ukraine's defense as soon as possible.

“70 billion euros for security assistance this year were promised in Ankara. So far, we see that our partners are already providing €62 billion, including bilateral assistance and the EU loan. Thank you for that. Thus, the additional €8 billion are still needed to fulfill the declaration. However, I want to stress that the overall defense deficit is €23 billion, or $27 billion,” Khmara stressed.

According to him, these funds would make it possible to finance drones and ensure their stable supply through the end of this year and into early next year.

“Up to 90% of our success on the battlefield is driven by drones,” he added.

The minister asked partners to make the necessary financial decisions by November so that their impact could be felt on the battlefield as early as winter. He also emphasized the need to maintain an adequate level of defense support for Ukraine in 2027.

“The support for Ukraine is not a subsidy. It is an investment. We are offering a mutually beneficial partnership,” the minister stressed.

Read also: Pistorius: Germany to boost Ukraine's air defenses with more missile

As reported, the UDCG meeting is being held virtually. Opening remarks were delivered by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, UK Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting, and U.S. Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby.

Ahead of the Ramstein-format meeting, Ukraine provided NATO with a list of its urgent needs for air and missile defense systems.

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