Spain will increase its supply of Patriot missiles to Ukraine to protect against ballistic attacks
Spain will continue to supply Ukraine with missiles for the Patriot air defense systems and will increase the volume of these deliveries. The ammunition is needed by Ukrainian forces to strengthen their air defense, particularly against Russian ballistic missiles.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares reaffirmed Spain’s unwavering support for Ukraine during an informal meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Ireland.
“We have been doing this for a long time and will continue to do so,” Albares emphasized.
His statement came amid calls from Ukraine to increase the supply of ammunition for air defense systems used to counter Russian air attacks.
During a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga, Albares confirmed an increase in the supply of missiles for Ukraine’s Patriot systems.
In addition, Madrid confirmed its participation in the new Coalition for the Defense of Ukraine, which Spain co-founded in late August.
Spain is not only providing missiles to Ukraine but is also assisting with the training of Ukrainian technical specialists. The training is being conducted by Spanish military experts.
At the same time, Madrid is working to replenish its own stockpiles of missiles and components for the Patriot systems.
Spain recently signed a $1.7 billion contract with the American company Raytheon. The agreement provides for the modernization of the country’s existing Patriot air defense missile systems.
Some of the components for these systems are manufactured directly in Spain. In particular, the Spanish company Sener is carrying out this work.
Thus, Spain plans to continue providing military aid to Ukraine while simultaneously replenishing its own air defense stockpiles.
This was reported by Le Monde.
The European Union promises to consider Ukraine’s request for interceptor missiles for the Patriot air defense systems as soon as possible. The European Commission says the matter is urgent, but the final decision must be made by EU member states.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington is negotiating with Ukraine regarding the granting of licenses for the production of missiles for the Patriot air defense systems.
