NATO countries to purchase 1,000 "Patriot" air defense missiles worth 5.5 billion dollars

Reyhan KÜÇÜK/12punto.com.tr

NATO's procurement agency NSPA aims to strengthen NATO's air defense capabilities with a purchase totaling approximately 5.5 billion dollars.

While the agreement is recorded as one of the largest financial acquisitions ever made by the NSPA, it is stated that the deal also includes elements that will support future maintenance operations, such as test equipment and spare parts.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed his satisfaction with this initiative by member countries, stating, ‘‘This investment demonstrates the strength of transatlantic defense cooperation and the importance placed on the security of NATO member countries.’’

WILL BE EFFECTIVE FOR THE UKRAINE FRONT

The importance of a modern air defense system becomes even more apparent when considering Russian rocket and drone attacks targeting civilian targets in Ukraine. This armament initiative is intended to be transformed into a project from which Kyiv can also benefit, allowing Ukraine to defend its own territory more effectively against Russia's attacks.

Countries participating in the purchase include Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Spain. Thanks to the support of the NSPA and the joint procurement process, it will be possible for member countries to reduce logistics costs and access weapon systems more efficiently.

A joint venture consisting of European missile manufacturer MBDA and the American company Raytheon is responsible for the production process. Production will take place in Schrobenhausen, Bavaria, where "Patriot" missiles are also maintained.

MBDA is a multinational European defense industry company formed in 2001 by the merger of French, British, and Italian missile systems companies. Headquartered in France, the company operates as a joint venture of Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. Working with the armed forces of more than 90 countries, MBDA also has a subsidiary in the US.

"Patriot" defense systems will form an important part of military aid to Ukraine. The feature of these systems is that they are effective against large targets in air defense and can strike targets such as aircraft, drones, rockets, and cruise missiles. According to Ukrainian military sources, these systems can also neutralize Russian hypersonic missiles.

News Source: Reyhan Küçük