Germany cannot provide Ukraine with additional Patriot air defense systems as the country has only six left from its original stock of 12, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told the Financial Times in an interview published on 14 July.
“We only have six left in Germany,” Pistorius said, explaining that Berlin had already given three Patriot systems to Kyiv while two others were lent to Poland and at least one remains unavailable due to maintenance or training.
“That’s really too few, especially considering the NATO capability goals we have to meet. We definitely can’t give any more,” he added.
The defense minister is scheduled to meet with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in Washington on 14 July, where he plans to discuss a proposal he made last month allowing Germany to purchase two Patriot systems from the US specifically for Ukraine.
“I would discuss a proposal I made to Hegseth last month to let Germany buy two Patriot systems from the US for Kyiv,” Pistorius said, according to the Financial Times.
The meeting comes after Washington paused deliveries of US Patriot systems to Ukraine, creating additional pressure on European allies to fill capability gaps. US President Donald Trump indicated on 13 July that NATO allies could purchase Patriot systems for Ukraine, telling reporters: “I haven’t agreed on the number yet, but they are going to have some, because they do need protection.”
President Donald Trump will announce a new plan to arm Ukraine on 14 July that is expected to include offensive weapons.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had previously said on 10 July that Germany was prepared to buy additional Patriot air defense systems from the United States and transfer them to Ukraine.
Despite renewed requests from Kyiv following recent Russian air attacks, Pistorius confirmed that Germany would not deliver its long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine. The minister also rejected proposals for joint EU borrowing or eurobonds to help debt-laden countries like France and Italy increase defense spending, simply stating: “No.”
On the agenda for Monday’s Washington meeting is also a “road map” for US security support for Europe, with Pistorius warning that any reduction in American commitment should not create capability gaps that would risk “making an invitation to Putin.”
The defense minister criticized weapons manufacturers for delays in delivery despite Germany’s commitment to dramatically increase military spending. Berlin aims to raise annual defense spending to €162 billion by 2029, representing a 70 percent increase from current levels.
“There is no reason to complain any more,” Pistorius told the Financial Times. “The industry knows perfectly well that it is now responsible for delivering.”