Tag: U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth

Two Patriot systems are being prepared for Ukraine, says Pistorius

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius gives a press conference following his meeting with the U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth | Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa

The delivery is to be financed by Germany. However, the final technical, logistical and financial details still need to be clarified, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said after his talks with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, saying these “appear to be solvable for both of us, so we will get to work quickly,” and underlining Ukraine’s urgent need for additional air defence systems.

Germany needs 60,000 extra troops to meet NATO targets

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius gives a press statement before the meeting of the International Contact Group (UDCG) to coordinate military support for Ukraine at NATO headquarters | Photo: Helena Dolderer/dpa

The Bundeswehr had a strength of 181,150 soldiers at the end of 2024, falling short of previous recruiting targets. NATO member states are to be assigned new national targets for their military capabilities, including weaponry, that are expected to be increased by around 30%.