Germany pledges more air defense missiles to Ukraine

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on Tuesday pledged more Patriot interceptors, AIM-9 missiles and IRIS-T air defense systems for Ukraine.

Speaking at a video meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Pistorius said Russian hybrid attacks would not stop Berlin or its partners from backing Kyiv, and Berlin will increase its support.

“Winter is coming. Preparing Ukraine for winter is of the highest priority,” he said. “It requires us to act resolutely and immediately. Together, we must take the right measures to increase Ukraine's resilience.”

Pistorius said he decided to provide Ukraine with the urgently needed Patriot PAC-2 interceptor missiles from the German military (Bundeswehr) stocks. He urged other contact-group members to check their own inventories and do the same.

“I am aware that it is not easy to strike a balance between one’s own security requirements and urgently needed support to Ukraine, but please, if in doubt, decide in favor for Ukraine,” he said.

Germany will also step up the supply of AIM-9 air-to-air missiles to Ukraine from Bundeswehr stockpiles, Pistorius said.

“What is more, we are keeping up our continuous deliveries of IRST air defense systems, including guided missiles,” he said. ”I am pleased that Ukraine is going to order several thousand additional IRST-guided missiles that will be funded by the EU-Ukraine Defense Loan.”

Pistorius said Germany will keep up its continuous deliveries of drones and long-range ammunition to help stabilize the front. Beyond the ongoing support, he said Berlin will fund several tens of thousands of rounds of long-range artillery ammunition. The ammunition will be procured through the British Artillery and Air Defense Consortium and provided to Ukraine.