The U.S. and NATO are considering transferring Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine

The US and NATO defense ministries have said that they are considering the possibility of transferring Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, but a final decision has not yet been made.

Here's What We Know

Germany suggested transferring Patriot systems to Poland after a missile fell on its territory, killing two people. The Patriot anti-aircraft missile system is designed to counter and destroy incoming short-range ballistic missiles, aircraft and cruise missiles. However, Poland's defense minister suggested that they be sent to Ukraine. Unfortunately, it is not Poland that makes this decision, so for now the issue remains in question.

A senior Pentagon official told CNN that such a possibility is being considered.

"We’re looking at all the possible capabilities that could help the Ukrainians withstand Russian attacks, so all the capabilities are on the table, and we are looking at what the United States can do, we’re looking at what our allies and partners can do, and looking at combinations of capabilities that would be useful. Patriot is one of the air defense capabilities that is being considered".

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also had this to say at the alliance's summit in Bucharest:

"Our discussions are about providing new systems, like Patriot, and there is a discussion about that right now. But it is also about making sure that the systems that have already been delivered are effective and functioning."

Indeed, as Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder explained, one of the problems with sending Patriot batteries or other advanced weapons to Ukraine is that these systems require significant maintenance and support.

He also noted that right now the U.S. has no plans to transfer Patriot SAMs to Ukraine:

"We discuss a wide variety of capabilities and support with Ukraine, we regularly consult with Ukraine, we regularly consult with our allies and our partners on what their defense needs are. Right now, we have no plans to provide Patriot batteries to Ukraine, but again we’ll continue to have those discussions, and when and if there’s something to announce on that front, we will".

Source: CNN