U.S. agrees to sell Patriot missile systems to Netherlands

The U.S. State Department has given the greenlight for the Netherlands to buy two Patriot air defense systems from the United States, the Pentagon announced. The Netherlands will pay 202 million euros for the two new air defense systems and to upgrade its three existing Patriots.

Patriots are used to protect the airspace and can shoot down missiles, helicopters, or aircraft at a distance of up to 60 kilometers. It is customary in the U.S. to require high-level permission to sell Patriots to another country.

According to the Pentagon, delivering the extra Patriot systems in the Netherlands, which it called an important NATO ally, will improve stability in Europe.

Early last year, the Netherlands supplied two Patriot launchers and several missiles to Ukraine from its reserves. It is not clear whether the new systems are to replenish the reserve or for another purpose.

The Netherlands has had Patriots since 1987, and the systems have been modified over time. According to the Ministry of Defense, the upgrades in the deal now approved by the Pentagon will make the Patriot systems suitable until 2040.