Politics USA approves sale of Patriot missiles to Germany

The US government has given the green light for the delivery of up to 600 Patriot anti-aircraft missiles to Germany.

Congress has been informed of a corresponding decision by the US State Department, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Accordingly, the estimated costs of the planned arms deal amount to five billion US dollars (approx. 4.6 billion euros). The main contractor is the US defense company Lockheed Martin. It initially remained unclear when the missiles would reach Germany. Arms deals of this kind usually take several years.

Patriot ("Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target") is one of the most modern air defense systems in the world. It can be used to combat enemy aircraft, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. Germany and other countries recently handed over several of these systems to Ukraine. They are intended to help the country protect itself from Russian air attacks.

"The proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by enhancing the security of a NATO ally," the statement said. Germany is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe, it added.