First German-funded Patriot system for Ukraine to be ready in 6–8 months - Bild

The Bild reports.

The system was initially intended for Switzerland, but its delivery will now be redirected to Ukraine. The German federal government will cover the cost, while the system is being manufactured by U.S.-based company Raytheon.

According to Bild, Germany is also considering transferring another Patriot system from Bundeswehr stockpiles. If this happens, it will eventually need to be replaced once a new unit is produced — a process that could take years.

Sources within the German government say the initial plan was for the U.S. to provide Ukraine with systems from its own reserves, while Germany would fund their replenishment. However, former U.S. President Donald Trump strongly opposed this approach, insisting that the Pentagon could not “give away any of its air defense assets.” He urged European countries to source and transfer such systems from their own arsenals.

This has caused delays: as Bild notes, Europe is facing a severe shortage of air defense systems. Negotiations on who can supply which resources to Ukraine have been ongoing for several days. Meanwhile, three potentially available Patriot systems are currently undergoing technical upgrades, and another is required for training personnel.

• On Thursday, July 17, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the defense ministries are now working out the details of quick delivery of the Patriot systems to Ukraine, expecting the process to take a few more weeks.