The Budget Committee of the German Parliament has approved the purchase of four new Patriot air defense systems (ADS) for the German Armed Forces. This deal, worth 1.3 billion euros, was reported by Handelsblatt.
The publication notes that prior to this, the Bundeswehr transferred two Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems (AAMS) to the Ukrainian side, leaving the German army with only ten such installations.
Earlier, Jan Nolte, a member of the Defense Committee of the Bundestag, stated that Berlin may agree to transfer Tornado aircraft to Kyiv.
He emphasized that politicians often do not want to send aircraft, as they fear an escalation of the conflict and do not know exactly how Kyiv will use them.
Previously, it became known that the Netherlands plans to transfer the first American F-16 fighters to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in the second half of 2024.
The Netherlands has 42 F-16 fighters that have been replaced by more modern F-35 aircraft. The country’s leadership expressed its intention to transfer up to 24 aircraft to Ukraine and use the remaining 18 for pilot training.
Earlier, it was reported that the first Checkmate fighters could appear in 2025.
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The German Parliament’s Budget Committee has given its approval for the purchase of four new Patriot air defense systems for the German Armed Forces. The deal, valued at 1.3 billion euros, has been met with mixed reactions. While some applaud the move as a necessary step to strengthen Germany’s defense capabilities, others criticize it, questioning the need for such an expensive purchase.
It should be noted that this decision comes after the Bundeswehr transferred two Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine, leaving the German army with only ten remaining installations. This move has raised concerns among some politicians who fear that the transfer of military equipment to Ukraine could further escalate the conflict in the region.
Jan Nolte, a member of the Defense Committee of the Bundestag, recently stated that Germany may also consider transferring Tornado aircraft to Kyiv. However, he emphasized the cautious approach that politicians take when it comes to sending military aircraft, as they are unsure of how they will be used by the recipient country.
In a similar vein, the Netherlands announced its plans to transfer the first batch of American F-16 fighters to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the near future. This decision comes as the Netherlands replaces their F-16 fleet with more advanced F-35 aircraft. While some view this as a positive step towards supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities, others worry about the potential consequences of providing Ukraine with such advanced weaponry.
Looking ahead, there is speculation that the first Checkmate fighters could be deployed as early as 2025. This development, if realized, could further complicate the geopolitical situation in the region, as countries continue to strengthen their military capabilities.
As these defense deals unfold, it is crucial for governments and policymakers to carefully consider the potential implications and consequences of their actions. The decision to provide military equipment to other countries should be made with the utmost caution and with a thorough understanding of the geopolitical landscape. Only through responsible decision-making can we hope to achieve stability and peace in the region.
