Defense confirms that Patriot long-range anti-aircraft missiles will be sent to Ukraine in the coming days

Spain will be sending a shipment of long-range Patriot anti-aircraft interceptor missiles to Ukraine, along with various ammunition, hospital medicines, and individual combat first aid kits. The Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, made this announcement during a meeting of the Contact Group for the Defense of Ukraine, which was attended by 24 other partner countries via videoconference.

Robles also mentioned that the preparations for transferring new Leopard battle tanks to Ukraine are progressing as planned, with the first units expected to be ready before the end of June. The meeting was attended by notable figures such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The minister provided updates on the Spanish donations to Ukraine during the meeting, as reported by Defense in a statement.

She particularly highlighted Spain’s contribution to air defense, emphasizing it as a fundamental concern. She announced the shipment of anti-aircraft missiles and also mentioned the recent shipment of hospital medicines, individual combat first aid kits, and heavy caliber artillery ammunition. More aid packages, including artillery and anti-tank weapons, will follow in the coming months.

The planned assistance also includes machine guns, logistics vehicles, armored infantry vehicles, and field artillery howitzers. Anti-aircraft surveillance systems and remote weapon stations are also being supplied to defend against drones, with preparations being made by the Spanish defense industry.

During her speech, Robles emphasized that the support from allied countries not only provides the necessary defense systems for Ukraine but also boosts morale and provides support to soldiers and the Ukrainian civilian population living under the constant threat of Russian drones and missiles.

President Zelensky expressed gratitude for the aid and emphasized that this war is a collective effort. He stated that support for anti-aircraft defense and artillery is vital. The Ukrainian Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov, acknowledged the efforts of allied countries in providing materials and training, and also mentioned the significant American aid recently approved, to which Robles extended her congratulations.