NATO and European Union countries are pressing Spain and Greece to transfer interceptor missiles for Patriot systems to Ukraine, as Kyiv seeks to counter increasingly intense Russian airstrikes. The requests were made as early as this summer and include the possibility of Norway purchasing the missiles and then transferring them to Ukraine, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the confidential nature of the negotiations.
This issue will be on the agenda on Tuesday and Wednesday when EU defence and foreign ministers meet in Dublin, an EU representative said. On Wednesday, representatives of Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland will also join the meeting.
In recent months, Ukraine has urgently called for increased supplies of air‑defence systems, saying its stockpiles are dwindling and can no longer effectively repel intensified Russian strikes. Kyiv especially needs more missiles for the U.S.-made Patriot systems, which are already in high demand amid the war in Ukraine.
Spain and Greece hold some of the largest stockpiles of Patriot interceptor missiles among Ukraine’s allies. At the same time, both countries’ inventories contain missiles that are approaching the end of their operational life, prompting allies to urge the transfer of PAC‑2 missiles.
Why Spain and Greece are slow to transfer the missiles
Greece was one of the first countries to supply ammunition to Ukraine after Russia’s full‑scale invasion, but it has so far resisted pressure to hand over Patriot missiles. Athens says it needs the missiles for its own defence amid a long‑standing rivalry with Turkey.
Spain announced earlier this year that it would provide Ukraine with military aid worth 1 billion euros (1.2 billion dollars) in 2024. A Greek government representative declined to comment on the situation, as did a spokesperson from Spain’s Ministry of Defence.
The search for additional air‑defence systems for Ukraine has become increasingly urgent as Russia seeks to intensify the war after peace talks stalled. Earlier, Bloomberg reported that Ukraine had received intelligence about Russian preparations for a possible new ground offensive on Kyiv.
Finding extra Patriot missiles for Ukraine is also a complex logistical challenge. Many EU countries, including Germany, warn that transferring more Patriot missiles could jeopardise their own security. The U.S. has likewise depleted its stockpiles during the war in Ukraine, and producing new missiles takes time.
Both the Patriot system and the European alternative SAMP/T face long lead times and production delays. In the coming months, Ukraine is still expected to receive additional air‑defence assets through PURL — a programme under which NATO allies purchase U.S. weapons for Kyiv.
Meanwhile, EU countries are debating whether to allow Ukraine to purchase more Patriot missiles using a 90 billion‑euro credit. France and Italy advocate directing those funds toward the SAMP/T system, while other members fear this could create further logistical and organisational difficulties for Kyiv. EU states are set to vote on the issue next Monday.
Source: Bloomberg
