NATO members in Europe have signed a contract for up to 1,000 Patriot missiles to bolster air defenses in the face of the threat from Russia, the alliance said Wednesday.
NATO’s procurement agency said the deal agreed upon by an initial group of countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Spain would see Patriot missile production stepped up in Europe.
Alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the “timely announcement to invest in up to 1,000 new Patriot air defense missiles to bolster the alliance’s security.”.
“Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian civilians, cities and towns show how important modern air defences are.
NATO allies including the United States and Germany have sent US-made Patriot systems to Ukraine, where they have been used to shoot down attacks by Russia’s hypersonic missiles.
“Europe will produce 1,000 Patriot air defence missiles itself.
Patriot missiles are estimated to cost around $4 million each, and NATO said the deal also includes other elements including test equipment and spare parts for future maintenance. »
