Spain Gives Ukraine a €15 Million “Gift”: Donates Five Patriot Missiles

Spain has decided to send five PAC-2 Patriot missiles to Ukraine in a €15 million package described as a “gift,” as Kyiv continues to face intense Russian strikes and shortages of air defense systems.

The Spanish government has reportedly approved the donation of five PAC-2 Patriot missiles to Ukraine, according to El País, citing government sources. The missiles are part of Spain’s existing air defense inventory and are currently operated by its Army Air Defense Artillery Regiment based in Marines, Valencia.

Unlike the more advanced PAC-3 variant, the PAC-2 interceptors are an older model, but still capable of providing mid-to-high altitude air defense coverage.

The donation is part of Spain’s 2026 military assistance package to Ukraine, valued at approximately €1 billion. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Spain’s total military aid to Ukraine has approached €4 billion.

The package also includes industrial cooperation initiatives involving Spanish defense firms and Ukrainian partners, aimed at producing drones, guided munitions, and air defense components.

The transfer is estimated to be worth around €15 million and has been described as a “gift” from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The decision was linked to discussions during Zelensky’s visit to Madrid on March 18, 2026, although it was not publicly emphasized at the time.

The move comes at a time when Ukraine is facing persistent shortages of air defense interceptors due to sustained Russian missile and drone strikes.

The decision also reflects broader global pressure on Patriot missile supplies. Demand has surged from multiple regions, including Gulf states facing missile and drone threats, while production constraints at manufacturer Raytheon have limited supply.

Spain itself is awaiting delivery of new Patriot systems ordered under its modernization program, expected only in the early 2030s, which further limits its available stock.

Spain has previously transferred Patriot missiles to Ukraine in 2024, though it has consistently avoided sending full launch systems due to domestic defense requirements.