Germany is currently unable to supply Ukraine with additional Patriot air defence missile systems, as this would create dangerous gaps in its own air defence system. This was stated on 7 November 2026 by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in an interview with the Funke media group, published by the WAZ newspaper. The minister emphasised that Germany had already supplied Ukraine with several Patriot systems and a significant number of missiles for them.
Why can’t Germany provide additional Patriot systems?
According to Pistorius, stocks Bundeswehr are limited, and it is impossible to replace the systems supplied to Ukraine at short notice. Further deliveries could create gaps in Germany’s defences, which the military leadership does not consider acceptable.
The minister explained that Berlin has already made a significant contribution to strengthening Ukraine’s air defence. Germany has supplied several systems Patriot along with a large number of guided missiles; however, the scope for further transfers from existing stocks has now been exhausted.
At the same time, Pistorius did not announce a complete cessation of military support for Ukraine. What he was referring to was the impossibility of additional deliveries of Patriot systems from German stocks at this stage.
Berlin calls on its allies to increase aid to Ukraine
Pistorius drew attention to the uneven distribution military assistance between partner countries. In his view, some countries have contributed far less to supporting Ukraine than Germany has.
The minister called on other allies to play a more active role in supplying air defence systems and ammunition.
They plan to give particular attention to this issue at the next meeting of the Contact Group on Defence Issues in Ukraine, in the «Ramstein», which is scheduled for 17 November.
Earlier, on 2 November, Pistorius announced that Germany and the UK were working on a joint plan to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence. They hope to involve other partners in the implementation of this plan, who may be able to provide the necessary weaponry in the near future.
Ukraine needs more missiles to defend against ballistic threats
4 November, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Pistorius in Berlin. One of the main topics of discussion was shortage of interceptor missiles Patriot against the backdrop of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Zelenskyy announced a major contract for the procurement of German-made PAC-2 missiles over the next two years. Ukraine is seeking to speed up their delivery in order to strengthen the defence of its cities during the winter months.
The parties also agreed to explore the possibility of providing further assistance, in particular regarding the IRIS-T systems and ammunition for F-16 fighter jets.
At the same time, according to Pistorius, the supply of Patriot missiles from the US remain limited, whilst production of the PAC-2 GEM-T in Germany is only just getting into full swing. This makes it difficult to replenish Ukraine’s stocks quickly.
As of 7 November, Germany has no plans to supply new Patriot systems from its existing stocks, but continues to explore, together with its allies, other ways of strengthening Ukraine’s air defence. Specific decisions are expected following further discussions with partners.
