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Germany is seeking firm guarantees from the United States before sending two of its Patriot air-defence systems to Ukraine, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Wednesday.
Speaking to Der Spiegel magazine, Pistorius stressed that European NATO members need “watertight” assurances from Washington that any US-made Patriot systems transferred to Kyiv will be replaced within six to eight months.
His comments come after US President Donald Trump announced a new agreement with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte last week, aimed at encouraging European members of the alliance to purchase American weapons—particularly Patriot batteries—for Ukraine’s defence against Russia.
The initiative marks a shift in Trump’s stance, as he grows increasingly frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s obstruction of efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Germany has offered to cover the cost of two Patriot batteries, while other NATO allies, including Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands, have expressed interest in financing up to three more.
However, concern has mounted over the US expectation that European countries will first provide Patriots from their existing arsenals, with replacements only arriving later from the United States.
Pistorius said it was essential to ensure that countries contributing systems to Ukraine can still meet their NATO obligations and avoid leaving gaps in the alliance’s collective defence.
“There is money for these Patriots,” Pistorius told reporters in Berlin. “Now we just need the Patriots.”
He added that discussions were continuing to determine which countries in Europe or beyond currently possess Patriot batteries and might be prepared to transfer them to Ukraine.
Germany previously had 12 Patriot systems but has already dispatched three to Ukraine and two to Poland. Another system is reserved for training purposes, leaving only six active batteries available for German use.
