Ukraine has received a second batch of Patriot surface-to-air missiles from Spain as part of its latest military aid package.
The delivery is part of a 1 billion euro ($1.1 billion) security agreement signed by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which details all of Spain’s military aid to Kyiv for 2024.
Spain’s shipment also included another batch of Leopard battle tanks, 155 mm ammunition, anti-drone systems, surveillance and tracking systems, and remote weapon turrets.
Zelensky described the aid as a key factor in bolstering Ukraine’s air defense and protecting its civilian population from Russia’s attacks.
The number of missiles delivered by Madrid has not yet been revealed.
Responding to Ukraine’s Needs
Spain pledged a shipment of Patriot missile systems in April following Zelensky’s plea to NATO members for more high-end air defense capabilities to fight off Russian air strikes.
Other allies that have responded to Ukraine’s request include the Netherlands and Romania, with Amsterdam using donated spare parts to quickly assemble a Patriot system for the initiative.
The missile system has proven useful in battle, successfully taking down hypersonic missiles from Moscow.
