Why Patriot deliveries to Ukraine are delayed: it all depends on allies and production capacities

Patriot systems for Ukraine will not be available until spring 2026, despite Donald Trump’s promises. According to the German publication Spiegel, the delay is caused by slow production and the unwillingness of allies to give up the equipment.

Despite Trump’s promises last week, which were voiced during a meeting with the NATO Secretary General, the rapid delivery of Patriot systems to Ukraine remains unlikely.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius noted that the transfer of the systems can only be organized if the countries that already operate Patriot agree to give them up. At the same time, other states will compensate for these losses by purchasing new systems to ensure their shipment to Ukraine.

The United States hopes that European partners will be able to transfer the systems to Ukraine from their reserves. In return, they will receive new installations when the RTX Corporation completes its production.

However, according to information from government sources, the first Patriot battery will not be available before spring 2026. Germany may receive the systems intended initially for Switzerland.

Moreover, according to Spiegel, other allies may also face delays, which could significantly extend the delivery times. Therefore, the rapid strengthening of Ukraine’s air defense remains in question.

Pistorius stressed that Germany is ready to send two Patriot systems to Ukraine, but this is only possible on condition that they are quickly replaced.