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Germany is ready to buy US Patriots—Trump undecided

germany ready buy patriots—trump undecided patriot air defense system's launchers dutch ministry chancellor merz says berlin can fund extra systems ukraine washington hasn’t finalized anything patriots gives green light friedrich

Germany is ready to buy US Patriots for Ukraine if Washington gives the green light, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on 10 July. The statement comes as Ukraine’s air defense capacity weakens under escalating Russian air strikes and limited US support.

This comes as Russia escalates air attacks on Ukrainian cities, deliberately targeting civilians, while Ukraine’s air defense stockpiles dwindle, and the Trump administration has never announced any new military aid. Even Biden-era approved shipments continue only partially, with disruptions including a recent Pentagon-initiated pause.

Merz says Berlin will fund more Patriots for Ukraine

Germany is ready to buy US Patriots and deliver them to Ukraine, Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed during a press briefing in Rome, Reuters reported.

We are also prepared to purchase additional Patriot systems from the US to make them available to Ukraine,” Merz stated.

He said he raised the matter directly with US President Donald Trump last week. According to Merz, the United States holds sufficient reserves of the systems.

“The Americans need some of them themselves, but they also have a lot of them,” he said, noting that a delivery decision had not yet been finalized.

The Patriot system—short for Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target—is among the most advanced US air defense platforms. Built by Raytheon Technologies, the theater-wide surface-to-air missile system is designed to counter aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones.

Ukraine uses its Patriot systems to intercept Russia’s ballistic missiles, the fastest munitions in the Russian arsenal.

Trump earlier offered 10 Patriot missiles. Those are enough for one battle at most 

On 8 July, Axios reported that Trump promised to immediately send 10 Patriot missiles to Ukraine. The Wall Street Journal added that Trump is considering delivering an entire Patriot system. 

Ukraine’s military, however, voiced skepticism. Speaking to The Times on 9 July, an unnamed senior Ukrainian Air Force officer—Ukraine’s air defenses report to AF—noted:

“If they actually send us ten [missiles], it will be nothing more than a bad joke,” he said, according to NV. “That’s not enough for even one battle.”

Axios also reported that Trump is pressuring Germany to transfer one of its Patriot batteries to Ukraine, adding further political complexity to Merz’s initiative.

Earlier statements from German officials noted “intensive talks” with the United States regarding Patriot system transfers.

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