The U.S. Approves the Transfer of Patriot Missiles from Germany to Ukraine
The U.S. is prepared to allow Germany to transfer 10 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems to Ukraine. These are MIM-104E GEM-T missiles with a total value of $29.6 million, which Berlin previously purchased from the United States.
The U.S. is prepared to grant Germany permission to transfer additional missiles for the Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. These are 10 MIM-104E GEM-T interceptors. The value of this batch is estimated at $29.6 million. The missiles were previously purchased by Germany from the United States, so Berlin needs Washington’s approval to transfer them to Ukraine.
The U.S. Is Prepared to Approve the Transfer
The U.S. State Department stated that it is prepared to grant Germany the necessary authorization. “This transfer is consistent with U.S. security assistance objectives,” the document states.
The U.S. side noted that the decision is made taking into account political, military, and economic factors, as well as human rights and arms control issues. In other words, this does not involve the United States directly transferring the missiles. Washington must authorize Germany to transfer U.S. weapons already in German possession to Ukraine.
Ukraine is already using such missiles
The State Department specifically noted that Ukraine is interested in obtaining this ammunition to strengthen its air defense capabilities. “Ukraine seeks to acquire these systems to strengthen its air defense capabilities; it already possesses ammunition of the same type,” the department stated.
The MIM-104E GEM-T is an interceptor missile for Patriot systems. It is designed to engage aerial targets, including aircraft and certain types of missiles. For Ukraine, these additional interceptors are crucial given the ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks. The Patriot is one of the systems the Ukrainian military uses to protect cities, critical infrastructure, and other key facilities.
Why U.S. Approval Is Needed
Germany cannot simply transfer American missiles to Ukraine without the consent of the United States. This is due to U.S. rules governing the export of American weapons and the terms under which they are sold to allies. Therefore, even after Berlin purchases the missiles, Washington’s consent is required to transfer them to a third country.
In this case, the U.S. has already expressed its willingness to grant such authorization. Once the necessary procedures are completed, Germany will be able to transfer 10 MIM-104E GEM-T missiles to Ukraine. At the same time, the announcement of the U.S. decision does not in itself mean that the missiles have already arrived in Ukraine. The document confirms the U.S.’s willingness to approve their transfer, while the actual delivery timeline depends on Germany’s next steps and the relevant procedures. This is evidenced by a U.S. State Department document released to Congress.
For Ukraine’s energy system to get through this winter without problems, we need 100–120 Patriot missiles per month to protect it from Russian ballistic missiles.
