Spain transfers second batch of Patriot missiles to Ukraine

The Spanish government transferred the second batch of MIM-104 anti-aircraft guided missiles for the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine.

El Mundo reported on this.

The anti-aircraft missiles were delivered to Ukraine on Friday, June 21, 2024, as part of an “important batch” of military aid from Spain.

Officially, the Spanish Ministry of Defense does not disclose the version of the missiles that were transferred to Ukraine, but according to Spanish government sources, MIM-104E missiles were transferred.

The transfer of this type of missile will allow Ukraine to strengthen its ability to provide air defense of cities and civilian infrastructure against constant missile attacks from Russia.

It should be noted that the MIM-104E missile was designed to intercept airborne targets such as fighter jets, cruise missiles, drones, etc.

Due to the use of less advanced electronic components, it is somewhat cheaper than the MIM-104F version, capable of intercepting ballistic and hypersonic targets.

As previously reported, the Biden administration made Ukraine a priority recipient of anti-aircraft missiles from the United States to improve its ability to combat Russian missile attacks.

For this reason, the United States will prioritize the transfer of MIM-104 anti-aircraft missiles to the Patriot system, as well as AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles for NASAMS air defense systems.

“If we didn’t do this for Ukraine, they would not have been able to maintain their critical air defense stockpile heading into the winter,” the U.S. official said.

In addition to the United States, other participating countries provide money and buy anti-aircraft weapons for Ukraine as part of the German Air Defense Initiative.

Militarnyi previously reported that the Netherlands and another country are preparing to provide Ukraine with the Patriot air defense system.