Netherlands might send Patriot system to Ukraine
The Dutch government may soon decide to send their Patriot air defence system to Ukraine, following the example of the United States and Germany.
Source: Bloomberg, citing informed sources; statement by Mark Rutte, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, quoted by Dutch mass media; European Pravda
Quote: "The Netherlands is constantly looking at military support for Ukraine," said Sascha Louwhoff, a spokesperson for the Dutch defence ministry, adding that the Netherlands is prioritising military deliveries to Ukraine.
Details: The Dutch military started operating the Patriot system in 1987. These surface-to-air missile systems are capable of hitting aircraft, helicopters, ballistic and cruise missiles at an altitude of up to 20 kilometres and a distance of up to 60 kilometres.
In Europe, only Germany, Spain and the Netherlands have Patriot air defence systems in service.
Background:
- On 21 December, the United States announced a new US$1.85 billion military aid package for Ukraine, which includes a supply of Patriot air defence systems for the first time.
- After that, Germany also promised to supply Patriot to Ukraine.
- This week, about a 100 Ukrainian military personnel, who will be trained to operate and maintain Patriot air defence systems, have arrived at a base in Oklahoma. At this stage, 90 to 100 Ukrainian military personnel will be trained; these will be the operators or those who will be engaged in systems’ maintenance. The training will last several months.
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