U.S. approves $5 billion sale of patriot missiles to Germany

The United States has approved the sale of 600 Patriot air defense missiles to Germany, the Pentagon announced late Thursday. The deal is valued at approximately $5 billion (€4.6 billion) and aims to bolster Germany’s national and territorial defense, enhancing its interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces.

In a statement, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency emphasized that the sale would strengthen the security of a key NATO ally and contribute to political and economic stability in Europe. The U.S. State Department has already approved the deal, but it still requires congressional approval.

The Patriot air defense system is capable of targeting enemy aircraft and missiles up to 100 kilometers away and at altitudes of up to 30 kilometers. Germany, which had 36 Patriot systems during the Cold War, has reduced its arsenal over the years and currently has nine systems. Germany recently donated three Patriot systems to Ukraine following the Russian invasion in 2022. Other European nations, including Greece, Poland, and Spain, also operate Patriot systems.

Source: DW