In the face of relentless attacks by Russian troops on Ukraine's critical and civilian infrastructure, the global pursuit for spare Patriot systems has intensified. With the urgent need to close gaps in Kyiv's air defenses, Western allies and Ukraine have been on a quest to find these highly coveted weapons.

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Joseph Borrell, expressed his disbelief that Western countries were unable to meet Ukraine's request for seven additional Patriot batteries when allies collectively possess approximately 100 batteries. Germany, which has already committed to sending a third Patriot system to Ukraine, has taken the initiative to create a coalition to acquire more of these systems on behalf of the embattled country.

Recent reports have confirmed that the Bundeswehr, the German armed forces, reached out to non-NATO countries, including Arab Gulf states, in a written letter seeking their contribution in acquiring the much-needed Patriot systems. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba confirmed this development during a meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the G7 ministerial meeting in Capri, Italy.

Kuleba emphasized the importance of acquiring the U.S.-made Patriots and the Franco-Italian SAMP/T systems, stating that they are the only systems capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. This capability is seen as a crucial turning point in the ongoing conflict.

Various approaches have been proposed to secure the necessary equipment. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte suggested that countries with policies preventing direct arms transfers to Ukraine could sell the systems to other countries, like the Netherlands, who can then deliver them to Ukraine. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg echoed this sentiment, urging allies possessing Patriots or SAMP/T systems to supply them to Ukraine, while those without the systems should provide financial support.

In addition to seeking assistance from allies, Ukraine has explored other routes to obtain the necessary air defense systems. The country has approached Poland and Spain for an extra Patriot battery and Romania for an additional SAMP/T system, according to the Financial Times.

However, Polish officials have stated that they are unable to send Patriots to Ukraine due to pending delivery of a significant Patriot order placed with the United States last year, worth $15 billion.

As the urgency to bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities increases, countries and international organizations are making concerted efforts to source spare Patriot systems. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the critical need to close gaps in the country's defenses, and the international community is now mobilizing to provide the necessary support and equipment.