Madrid has agreed to supply Kiev with Patriot missiles, responding to requests from NATO and the EU for countries that have them to deliver them to Ukraine to strengthen its anti-aircraft defense against Russian attacks. This was reported today by El Pais, citing government sources. After the Ministry of Defense’s initial refusal, Spain will send “a very limited number” of the US-made missiles, of which it has three batteries purchased from Germany between 2004 and 2014, one of which is located in Adana, Turkey. the sources report. The Ministry of Defense plans to purchase four new Patriot batteries of the more advanced 3+ configuration to provide itself with “an authentic anti-missile defense capability”. Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenzky has asked EU and NATO allies to deliver six batteries to slow down the Russian offensive expected in the coming months. Of the number of Patriots that will be sent, Madrid “will inform those responsible in Ukraine”, because “this is a real war and it is better not to specify information”, diplomatic sources told ANSA, underlining that the Spanish government has reiterated the his commitment to support Kiev. «From the first moment Spain sent military equipment, Leopard tanks and anti-aircraft defense material to Ukraine», the sources highlight. The government is preparing a new armament package to be sent before June 30, which includes 10 of the 19 Leopard 2 A4 combat tanks being overhauled and join the 10 sent to Ukraine last year, according to sources quoted by El Pais . However, the sale of other anti-aircraft defense systems is more problematic, after the supply of 12 Hawk anti-aircraft missile launchers to Kiev, so that the Spanish army does not run out of them, military sources indicate.
