These systems will help Ukraine counter the increasing Russian aerial attacks, which is particularly important for the country’s civilians and energy facilities ahead of winter.
According to Militarnyi, the German Air Force has confirmed that Ukrainian soldiers have completed their fourth training session for use in Germany.
The Patriot air defense system is crucial for Ukraine as the winter approaches and Russian attacks intensify. These systems improve Ukraine’s defense against aerial attacks, which have increasingly targeted its energy infrastructure and led to severe power outages. Reports indicate that Russia has intensified its strikes, with over 1,000 attacks on energy facilities since October 2022, resulting in extensive damage to electricity-generating capacity.
In the last few years, Germany and other countries transferred Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine.
After completing their training, Ukrainian troops can operate the Patriot systems on their own, intercepting Russian aerial threats like aircraft, cruise missiles or drones.
The German side has refused to disclose the number of Ukrainian soldiers that participated in the training for security reasons.
The German Air Force announced the fourth group of Ukrainians will begin training on Patriot systems in the second part of August 2024.
In April 2023, Ukraine will receive its first Patriot system. The system was delivered immediately after Ukrainian operators had completed their training which began in early Februar. In August 2023, Germany will also supply Ukraine with two additional Patriot launchers as well as anti-aircraft weapons for the system.
As part of its military aid, Germany gave Ukraine a second Patriot System at the end of last.
In April 2024, the German government announced that another Patriot system would be transferred to Ukraine. Early in July, the German Ambassador to Ukraine announced that the system is now under control of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. The Ukrainian Patriot crew had already completed training in Germany.
In October, Ukraine signed an agreement with Germany to immediately boost air defense capabilities using funding from partner nations. Belgium, Norway and the Netherlands joined the initiative.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs at least seven Patriot air defense systems. He urged partners to not waste time in sending a “signal” of determination to Russia.
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