Poland has transferred five Patriot missiles to Ukraine and may receive 50 in return, according to Defence24
Poland has transferred five PAC-3 MSE anti-ballistic missiles to Ukraine for use with Patriot air defense systems. Although the amount of aid was less than expected, Warsaw has received assurances from the U.S. and NATO that its own stockpiles will be promptly replenished in the event of a threat.
Polish authorities had previously confirmed the transfer of some missiles to Ukraine but did not disclose the exact number.
It is noted that Poland allocated only five PAC-3 MSE missiles from its arsenal, while the country has a total of up to 208 such munitions.
Despite the small number, the transferred missiles are of great importance to Ukraine’s air defense. Due to a shortage of munitions, Patriot batteries typically use one missile to intercept a single ballistic target, so five missiles could potentially destroy up to five Russian ballistic missiles.
At the same time, this stockpile is not even enough to fully equip a single Patriot launcher, which can hold up to six PAC-3 MSE missiles.
According to the publication, Warsaw agreed to the transfer of ammunition only after receiving special guarantees from the U.S. and NATO.
The agreements stipulate that in the event of an immediate military threat to Poland, its allies must promptly replenish its stockpiles within the first 24 hours.
According to Defense Express, for every PAC-3 MSE missile transferred to Ukraine, Poland could potentially receive up to ten similar missiles. Thus, in exchange for the five missiles transferred to Ukraine, Warsaw can count on receiving up to 50 new PAC-3 MSE missiles if the need arises.
Polish officials explain that transferring exactly five missiles does not weaken the country’s own air defense system.
At the same time, analysts at Defence24 note that, given the guarantees received, Poland could theoretically transfer a larger quantity of munitions to Ukraine, but has currently decided to limit itself to this specific amount of military aid.
This is reported by Defence24.
Ukraine is seeking to launch production of missiles for Patriot systems under a U.S. license as soon as possible. However, according to Reuters, this process may begin not in Ukraine, but in one of the European countries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who arrived in Kyiv on a working visit. During the talks, the parties discussed increasing sanctions pressure on Russia, Ukraine’s needs for air defense systems, and further military cooperation with the United States.
