Patriot air defense systems
The Patriot is a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system of medium-to-long range developed by the American company Raytheon (now RTX). It is designed for air and missile defence, capable of intercepting aircraft, cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles. Patriot forms a key component of NATO air defence and is operated by numerous countries worldwide. Ukraine has received Patriot systems from Western allies to defend against Russian missile strikes.
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At virtual Ramstein meeting, Germany announces Patriot interceptors and 'City Dome' shield for Ukraine
At the 36th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting on 8 September, held virtually, Germany announced the urgent transfer of PAC-2 Patriot interceptors and additional AIM-9 missiles from Bundeswehr stocks, launched the 'City Dome' project to shield Ukrainian cities from drone and missile strikes, and committed to financing tens of thousands of long-range artillery shells. The UK pledged £100 million through PURL for air defense, the EU approved financing for 3.2 billion euros of Patriot missiles, and Ukraine outlined plans to contract around 1,000 Patriot missiles and several thousand additional IRIS-T missiles with partner support. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said civilian deaths in Ukraine are at their highest since May 2022 and warned that delays cost lives.