A coalition of NATO members – including Germany, the Netherlands, Romania and Spain – aim to bolster their air defences by procuring up to 1,000 Patriot missiles, the alliance stated on 3 January. The contract, which will be managed by the NATO Support & Procurement Agency (NSPA), has been placed with COMLOG, a Germany-based collaborative venture between Raytheon and MBDA, and is valued at USD5.5 billion. It will contribute to expansion of European missile production as well as improvement in supply chain security, and further guarantees replenishment of Allied stockpiles.
“This investment shows the strength of transatlantic defence cooperation and NATO’s commitment to keeping our people safe,” said Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. “Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian civilians, cities and towns show how important modern air defences are. Scaling-up ammunition production is key for Ukraine’s security and for ours”.
The order will facilitate the establishment of a German production facility for Patriot. The Alliance has already committed Patriot missile batteries to protect its eastern flank in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent posturing. Patriot systems have also been supplied direct to Ukraine.
For more information: NATO – News: NATO to buy 1,000 Patriot missiles to enhance Allies’ air defences, 03-Jan.-2024
(Image: NATO is procuring up to 1,000 Patriot systems to bolster Alliance air defence capabilities. Credit: NATO)
