Berlin, August 16, 2024, The Europe Today: The United States has approved the sale of 600 Patriot air defense missiles to Germany, the Pentagon announced on Thursday night. The deal, valued at approximately $5 billion (€4.6 billion), marks a significant enhancement in Germany’s defense capabilities.
The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated that the proposed sale will bolster the security of a NATO ally, reinforcing Germany’s role as a key player in maintaining political and economic stability in Europe. The deal is also expected to enhance Germany’s national and territorial defense while improving interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces.
Although the U.S. State Department has given the green light, the sale still requires approval from Congress.
The Patriot air defense system is a sophisticated platform designed to intercept enemy aircraft and missiles up to 100 kilometers (60 miles) away and at altitudes of up to 30 kilometers (19 miles). During the Cold War, Germany operated up to 36 Patriot systems, but this number has decreased over the years. Berlin recently donated three Patriot systems to Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in February 2022, leaving Germany with just nine systems.
Other European nations, including Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, and Sweden, also utilize Patriot systems as part of their defense strategies.
