Photo: Getty Images
Germany is preparing to transfer 10 MIM-104E GEM-T interceptor missiles for Patriot air-defense systems to Ukraine. The missiles, valued at around $29.6 million, were previously supplied to Germany by the United States.
The U.S. State Department has authorized the transfer. Under U.S. arms-transfer rules, Germany requires Washington’s approval before transferring American-made weapons to a third country. The department said the transfer is consistent with U.S. security-assistance objectives and that Ukraine already operates ammunition of the same type.
Patriot interceptors for Ukraine
The MIM-104E GEM-T is an interceptor for the Patriot system and is designed to engage aircraft, cruise missiles and tactical ballistic targets.
The transfer comes amid continued Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine and growing demand for Patriot interceptors. Ukraine has been seeking additional air-defense ammunition from its allies as it faces sustained Russian strikes.
Germany has also announced additional Patriot-related assistance for Ukraine, while other NATO countries are working to expand interceptor supplies and production capacity.
The latest transfer is not a direct shipment from U.S. stockpiles. The missiles will come from Germany’s inventory of weapons previously supplied by Washington.