Germany, partners prepare to send Ukraine additional PAC-3 interceptors

U.S.-made PAC-3 interceptors are the most advanced munitions for Patriots and remain virtually the only reliable counter to Russian ballistic missiles.

“Last week in Brussels I proposed to assemble a certain number of PAC-3 missiles,” Pistorius said press conference of Group of Five (E5: UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland) defense ministers in Krakow.

“Germany, although we have already given a lot, is adding five more. We are in the process now; some countries have already signaled their willingness. We are waiting for final confirmations. But I am very optimistic and will quickly order our missiles to be delivered.”

Pistorius reiterated that air defense remains critical for Ukraine as Russia continues to target civilians across the country.

“[Russian dictator Vladimir] Putin continues to mercilessly destroy Ukraine every night to make life there as unbearable as possible,” the minister added.

“And I believe we must call it what it is. It's not just a war, not just a military confrontation for territory, an attempt to occupy it. This is terror. It's terror against the civilian population of Ukraine.”

On Feb. 16, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Germany had nearly exhausted the air defense missile stocks it could supply to Ukraine.