Ukraine's defence setback: Netherlands' ally withdraws patriot aid
The Netherlands—along with a mysterious “ally”—was supposed to deliver a complete Patriot system to Ukraine. However, the “ally” backed out, and Kyiv will not receive the weapon that could protect the country from air attacks.
For many months, Ukraine has been appealing for air defence systems that could protect Ukrainian civilian and military targets from Russian missiles and drones. One of the countries that responded to this appeal was the Netherlands.
At the end of May, the Ministry of Defence announced its intention to deliver a Patriot system to Ukraine, stating that the Netherlands has the “basic components” ready. However, they were looking for an ally who would provide the missing parts of the system so that it could be fully operational.
The Patriot system consists of many parts. Its heart is the fire-control section, consisting of a fire control radar, a battle management station, an OE-349 antenna mast, and a power station. It also includes eight missile launchers and the missiles themselves.
The “ally” backed out
It turned out that the Netherlands has three launch installations and a radar. The rest was supposed to be provided by another country.
In June, the minister announced that they had found a country that agreed to provide the missing parts of the system. However, they did not specify which country it was.
According to ANP, the donation will not happen. A defence ministry spokesperson stated that the ministry was “recently” informed that “the previously mentioned commitment from the ally will not be honoured.”
The ministry does not want to disclose which ally country it is.
