In a joint press conference with Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called on allies to increase support for Ukraine's air defense system.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius noted that Germany has limited capacity and contributed a disproportionate amount when transferring more than 1/3 of its Patriot missile system to Ukraine.
Currently, we cannot do anything more because we ourselves are also waiting to receive replacement systems for the systems that have been transferred" - Minister Boris Pistorius said.
Mr. Pistorius also admitted that the number of IRIS-T air defense missiles supplied to Ukraine is not enough.
He pointed out that Germany is currently the only country capable of supplying IRIS-T to Kiev and is continuing this effort but still does not meet Ukraine's needs.
German Defense Minister Pistorius called on NATO and EU partners to be well aware of Ukraine's urgent needs related to ammunition and military equipment.
He emphasized that the task of all current allies is to jointly review their reserves, especially those countries that still have reserve capabilities to strengthen Ukraine's air defense shield.
Patriot is a surface-to-air missile system designed to defend against ballistic missiles and cruise missiles as well as aircraft.
Patriot missiles are equipped with advanced radar capable of detecting and tracking air targets at long range. This US-made air defense system is considered one of the most effective air defense systems in the world.
The information shared by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius was released in the context of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense announcing that on January 1, 2 additional Patriot missile systems were put into operation to protect important cities and infrastructure in Ukraine.
