The Defense Minister of Germany, Boris Pistorius, publicly acknowledged that Berlin can't supply Ukraine with more Patriot air defense systems from its own reserves due to the current limitations of the German Armed Forces.
The statement was made on January 26 during a press conference in Berlin alongside his Lithuanian counterpart, Robertas Kaunas, and it was reported by several German media outlets.
Pistorius explained that Germany has already made a considerable effort and, in his own words, "disproportionate" in supplying this type of weaponry to Ukraine. The country has transferred more than one-third of its total Patriot capacity, which has significantly reduced its own stocks.
As a consequence, the German Army, the Bundeswehr, is now waiting to receive replacement systems before it can consider further deliveries.
"The problem is that we can't do more at this moment", stated the minister, emphasizing that Germany must guarantee its own defensive capability, as well as the proper training and maintenance of the systems it still retains. Pistorius insisted that continuing with new transfers without receiving replacements would put at risk the operational readiness of the German Armed Forces.
The statements come in a context of growing requests from Ukraine to receive more air defense systems and ammunition, especially in light of the intensification of Russian attacks. According to Pistorius, although Germany understands the urgency of the situation on the Ukrainian front, there are practical and strategic limits that can't be ignored.
Nevertheless, the minister stressed that Germany continues to play a key role in other areas of Ukrainian air defense. In particular, he pointed out that Berlin is the only country capable of supplying IRIS-T systems, manufactured by the German company Diehl Defence.
