EU Chief Urges Members to Send Patriot Missiles to Ukraine

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called on member states to transfer their remaining Patriot air-defense missile stocks to Ukraine in exchange for future replacements, citing urgent Ukrainian need. The appeal was directed particularly at Greece and Spain, which retain some reserves, though neither has committed to transfer.

Greece has declined to hand over its final reserve, citing concerns that doing so would leave the country defenseless in a potential conflict with Turkey. Spain's position remains unclear. Some Greek missiles are approaching expiration dates, according to reports. EU defense ministers met on September 28 to discuss the proposal but reached no new decision, agreeing instead to continue discussions.

The global Patriot missile shortage stems from Ukraine's rapid consumption of air-defense systems and Middle East conflicts involving US and Israeli forces. The EU has approved 28.3 billion euros in procurement plans under the Ukraine Support Loan, including Patriot missiles from future US production. However, missile manufacturing takes years, and Kallas emphasized that "Kiev needs Patriots now." Experts estimate that even if Middle East fighting ended immediately, replenishing depleted stocks would require years at current production rates.

Kallas stressed that supplies from existing stocks followed by replacements financed through the support loan represent the EU's remaining option. She noted that the European Peace Fund provides resources available for Ukraine assistance. The proposal hinges on member states releasing current inventory while waiting for newly manufactured systems to arrive.