President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine has secured funding to acquire three U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems: two financed by Germany and one by Norway. However, Ukraine ultimately needs ten such systems to meet its defense needs.
Zelensky made the statement during a press briefing on July 24, according to a Ukrinform correspondent.
“We’ve requested ten [Patriot systems], as I’ve said publicly. We are now working with our partners to secure all ten. As for missiles, we already have some,” Zelensky said.
He added that U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to supply or sell Patriot systems to Ukraine: “President Trump will be handing over or selling the systems to us. Our task is to raise the funds for all ten systems.”
The President emphasized the importance of obtaining a missile package alongside each air defense system: “We’d like each system to come with its full complement of missiles from the outset.”
Zelensky confirmed Germany’s commitment to finance two Patriot systems and Norway’s pledge to cover the cost of one. Talks are ongoing with the Netherlands to secure additional support.
He also addressed the challenge of licensing for domestic production of air defense components: “We’re still fighting to obtain production licenses. It’s important that Germany is establishing a manufacturing site. Not in Ukraine yet, but at least within Europe, among allies we have good relations with.”
As previously reported, on June 25, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would consider providing Patriot systems to Ukraine, though he noted they are difficult to obtain due to high domestic and foreign demand, particularly in Israel.
Source: Zelensky: Ukraine needs 10 Patriot systems — funds secured for three
