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According to reports from Deutsche Presse-Agentur and Ukrainian Pravda, Ukrainian President Zelensky said that by deploying another set of German aidPatriot air defense missilesystem, Ukraine's air defense capabilities are being strengthened.

Ukrainian President Zelensky Photo source: Visual China

On the evening of July 21st local time, Zelensky said in a routine video speech: "We can now say that our air defense capabilities have been strengthened. The German Patriot system has been delivered to Ukraine. I would like to thank Germany and the United States for this step... We will be able to do more in the air. Of course, there is still a lot of work to be done ahead, and this is far from guaranteed protection, but in any case, it means more power for Ukraine."

According to Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Germany has currently provided Ukraine with three US-made Patriot air defense systems. According to Zelensky, the third system may be ready for deployment.

The report mentioned that Zelensky has repeatedly stressed in recent weeks that Ukraine needs more air defense systems to protect its airspace from Russian missiles and drones. According to his previous statement, Ukraine needs between 6 and 25 Patriot air defense systems. It is not clear how many systems Ukraine has received in total and whether they are all still usable.

According to the Ukrainian National News Agency on April 6, Zelensky said at the time that Ukraine hopes to have 25 Patriot or similar air defense systems in the future to protect its airspace from Russian missiles and drones. "All our partners understand this very well, and they even know where the corresponding systems should be deployed."

Patriot is a surface-to-air missile defense system, considered one of the most advanced air defense systems of the US military. It is capable of intercepting aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. According to reports, at the end of 2022, the United States announced that it would provide Ukraine with the Patriot air defense and anti-missile system for the first time, followed by Germany and the Netherlands.