Germany Gets US Approved $5 Billion Patriot Missile Sale

On Thursday, the US revealed that it had approved a $5 billion sale to Germany, which has given Ukraine several of the most cutting-edge air defense systems, for up to 600 Patriot missiles and associated hardware.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement that the planned sale of the PAC-3 MSE missiles “will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe.”

It “will enhance Germany’s military’s defensive capabilities and strengthen its ability to counter present and emerging threats.” The statement went on to say, “It will support Germany’s goal of improving interoperability with US and NATO forces as well as national and territorial defense.”

The DSCA sent Congress the necessary notice on Thursday, after the State Department authorized the potential sale of the missiles to Germany. Congress still has to approve the deal.

Ukraine, which has been subjected to frequent Russian missile barrages and drone attacks aimed at its infrastructure and is in dire need of more air defenses, has received multiple Patriot systems from Germany.

Berlin abandoned its customarily pacifist posture following the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, and it is now Kyiv’s second-largest source of military aid, behind Washington.