Germany will hand over Ukraine before winter the PAC-2 capture missiles to the Patriot systems and a larger batch of AIM-9 missiles, announced on 8 September the defence Minister Boris Pistorius. The numbers are not given. The transportation from Bundeswehr's stock is intended to strengthen the protection of Ukrainian cities and infrastructure against another wave of Russian attacks.
Berlin reaches its own warehouses
Boris Pistorius presented the decision at a gathering of the Contact Group on Defence of Ukraine in the format of Ramstein. The German defence minister announced the transfer of urgently needed PAC-2 missiles to Patriot kits, as well as more AIM-9 air-to-air missiles. The deadline is valid. Equipment is expected to hit Ukraine before winter, as Russian attacks usually focus on energy and municipal infrastructure.
Berlin did not give the number of missiles. This limits the anticipation of assessing the actual scale of aid. However, it is known that the PAC-2 are to come from the Bundeswehr stock, so the decision concerns equipment available faster than rockets from fresh production contracts. In the defence war, transportation time is what matters, not the value of the promises entered on the multiannual schedule.
Patriot needs a steady supply of missiles.
The Patriot strategy is only valuable if the service has something to carry out the fire. Ukraine has been pushing its partners for months to replenish their capture missiles. Kiev besides applied for EU billions for products to the Patriots, due to the fact that production in Europe and Ukraine does not cover current needs.
The German decision is so specific, although without disclosure the number of pieces remains incomplete. On the 1 hand, it strengthens the protection of Ukrainian infrastructure from winter. On the another hand, it shows the limitations of the European industrial base. NATO countries scope to active warehouses, due to the fact that fresh production lines do not yet supply adequate effectors. Europe has enjoyed peace over the years, not building supplies that correspond to the realities of the long war. The bill for this shortsightedness is now paid with haste and a depleted reserve.
Poland must number its own resources
For Poland stronger air defence of Ukraine means little freedom of Russian activities towards the west. This is crucial for our borders, airports and the safety of the population. Polish sky remains under force from the east, which regularly match night air alarms and operations.
However, Warsaw should look at Berlin's decision through the prism of its own interest. Aid to the affected state is justified due to the fact that Russia is besides a threat to Poland. However, any transfer of missiles from allied warehouses must go hand in hand with the fast restoration of supplies. Without this, solidarity can weaken the readiness of the full east flank.
The conclusion is simple. Europe needs much more anti-aircraft ammunition and Poland should guarantee its industrial, service and technological participation. Buying safety only abroad leaves the state dependent on the decisions of another capitals.
Source: RMF24, Deutschlandfunk
Source: RMF24
