The Netherlands intends to make a “substantial contribution” to the US initiative to provide additional air defences to Ukraine, said Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans yesterday during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. “Much has already been done, but more is needed,” Brekelmans said. “Ukraine protects the front line against Russian aggression for all of Europe. If Russia is able to break through, it immediately poses a greater threat to the rest of Europe and NATO.”
The Netherlands has already delivered a Patriot air defence system and missiles and is also providing Ukraine with drone detection radars and maritime vessels equipped with air defence equipment. The exact details of the new Dutch contribution will be decided soon, in coordination with NATO, the United States and other allies.
Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius also said yesterday that Germany would deliver five Patriot systems to Ukraine. It has previously provided three of the systems.
Earlier this month, following a pause in military equipment support for Ukraine, the United States pledged to send additional Patriot systems to NATO for NATO to “distribute”.
The Patriot, short for Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target, is manufactured by Raytheon Technologies. Each system typically comprises radar and control systems, a power unit, launchers and support vehicles.
For more information
Ministry of Defence – Netherlands
Federal Ministry of Defence – Germany
Image: Minister Brekelmans speaks during the virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on July 21, 2025. (Dutch Ministry of Defence photo)
