Several NATO nations, including Germany and Spain, will acquire up to 1,000 Patriot missiles for anti-air defence, the alliance announced on Tuesday.
Valued at an estimated $5.5 billion, the deal comes amid Ukraine’s standoff against intense bombings by Russia on its cities and infrastructure.
The contract is expected to boost the manufacturing in Europe of these missiles, which are used to counter aerial or ballistic missile attacks, according to a statement from NSPA, the NATO agency responsible for procurement and military support.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the deal, noting that increasing the production of ammunition was critical for the safety of Ukraine and the Allies.
The US and Germany have already dispatched Patriot missiles to help Ukraine defend against Russian attacks on its cities and infrastructure. These deliveries have partly depleted the stockpile, forcing the US to seek assistance from other nations, including Japan, to replenish the supply.
The NATO agency clarified that the contract involved the commissioning of a German missile manufacturing site through a joint venture between German firm MBDA and US corporation Raytheon.
“Europe will construct 1,000 Patriot missiles herself. It proves that European cooperation can yield actual successes,” said Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren. The Netherlands, Germany, Spain and Romania form the coalition.
In addition to the missiles, worth about $4 million each, the deal also encompasses the provision of spare parts and maintenance.
