The U.S. State Department is prepared to authorize Germany to transfer 10 Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine, with a total value of $29.6 million. According to a U.S. State Department notification at , as reported by Dengi.ua , these are MIM-104E GEM-T munitions that Germany previously received from the U.S.
Germany Will Transfer 10 Patriot Missiles to Ukraine
The planned delivery includes 10 MIM-104E GEM-T interceptors for the Patriot air defense missile systems.
The cost of the munitions is estimated at $29.6 million. However, this does not involve a new direct U.S. arms sale to Ukraine: the missiles are already in Germany’s possession, and Washington must authorize their transfer to a third country.
Such approval is required under the terms through which Germany originally received the American weapons. The transfer of equipment or ammunition to a third party requires the consent of the U.S. government.
Statement From the U.S. State Department
The U.S. side stated its readiness to approve the transfer, taking into account political, military, and economic factors, as well as human rights and arms control issues.
The State Department also noted that Ukraine requested this ammunition to strengthen its air defense capabilities and already operates missiles of the same type.
Thus, these munitions are compatible with the Patriot systems Ukraine already possesses.
Why the Decision Is Not Yet Final
Despite the U.S. administration’s willingness to grant approval, the procedure is not yet complete.
The State Department’s notification was sent to the U.S. Congress, where the relevant committees must review the matter. Under standard procedure, Congress may review the proposed transfer of U.S. weapons to a third party.
If lawmakers do not block the re-export, the transfer of the missiles will be able to receive final approval.
What This Means for Ukraine’s Air Defense
Ukraine uses U.S. Patriot systems to defend against air attacks, so receiving additional interceptors will allow Ukraine to replenish its ammunition stockpile for already deployed systems.
Specifically, these are MIM-104E GEM-T missiles. They belong to an earlier version of the Patriot interceptors and differ from the modern PAC-3 missiles, which are designed, among other things, to counter ballistic targets.
However, the transfer of 10 missiles is still only planned: the U.S. approval process must first be completed.
