Netherlands to "Quickly Assemble" Patriot Air Defense System for Ukraine

The Dutch government has proposed the rapid assembly and delivery of a Patriot air defense system to Ukraine in collaboration with several European partners.

The Netherlands will contribute core components and parts from its own stock, and has identified other European countries that could provide additional Patriot parts and munitions. Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren has urged these countries to contribute from their existing inventories, following the Netherlands' example.

"We are engaged in talks with partners to compile a Patriot system, including training for Ukrainian crews. With our offer, and by consulting with partner countries providing several key parts and munitions, we can provide Ukraine with at least one fully operational system in a short time frame," Ollongren stated.

She acknowledged the scarcity of Patriot systems but emphasized the importance of Ukraine's defense efforts for Europe, given the daily attacks on Ukraine’s military capabilities, energy production, and vital infrastructure.

Ollongren also referenced a statement from the NATO secretary general, suggesting that NATO countries could temporarily operate below the alliance’s capability targets to support Ukraine. This flexibility, combined with pledges from industrial suppliers to accelerate production and delivery of replacement systems, is expected to facilitate the swift deployment of the Patriot system to Ukraine.

The Netherlands aims to have the system operational in Ukraine as soon as possible.