Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles announced on Friday that Spain will provide the Ukrainian Army with a set of long-range Patriot anti-aircraft interceptor missiles. The missiles will be sent to the NATO logistics base in Poland within four days. Robles emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s anti-air defense against attacks from Russia. The exact number of Patriot missiles that Spain will supply to Ukraine is not specified in the Defense Ministry’s statement, but it will be limited due to their high cost and the limited availability in the Spanish Army’s inventory.
Pressure from NATO and the EU led Spain to agree to provide Ukraine with a batch of Patriot interceptor missiles, with a ceiling of 24 kilometers and a range of 150. Spain had three batteries of second-hand Patriot missiles purchased from Germany in 2004 and 2014, with one already deployed in Turkey since 2015 and two based in Valencia. The Defense Ministry refused to give up the battery in Turkey, citing national security concerns. In addition to the missile supply, Spain has recently sent hospital medicines, first aid kits for combat, and artillery ammunition to Ukraine, with more artillery ammunition, weapons, vehicles, and tanks scheduled for delivery in the coming months.
During the virtual meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine, Robles praised the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, and his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, for approving a $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine. She highlighted that the support from allied countries not only provides the defense systems that Ukraine needs but also boosts morale and support for soldiers and civilians facing Russian aggression. Spanish companies will also directly supply surveillance systems and remote weapon stations for anti-drone defense to Ukraine. The ongoing military aid from various countries underscores the international commitment to assisting Ukraine in its defense efforts against Russian threats.
The decision to provide Ukraine with Patriot missiles and other military assistance reflects Spain’s support for the country’s defense against Russian aggression. Additional shipments of weapons, vehicles, and tanks are being prepared by the Spanish Defense Ministry to enhance Ukraine’s capabilities in combatting threats. The aid package includes a variety of weapons and equipment, such as light and heavy machine guns, wheeled logistic vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles, anti-tank weapons, and artillery guns. The rehabilitation and deployment of Leopard 2 A4 tanks are also part of the support package, along with surveillance and anti-drone systems supplied by Spanish companies.
The ongoing collaboration between Spain, the U.S., and other allies in providing military aid to Ukraine demonstrates a unified effort to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and support its efforts to resist Russian aggression. The announcement of additional shipments of weapons, vehicles, and equipment underlines the commitment of these countries to stand with Ukraine in the face of ongoing threats and challenges. The supply of Patriot missiles and other military equipment aims to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities and provide essential support to its armed forces in their efforts to defend the country’s sovereignty and security. The coordination and cooperation between Spain and its allies in providing military aid to Ukraine underscore the importance of international solidarity in addressing security challenges and upholding shared values of freedom and democracy.
