NATO has air defense systems ready for Ukraine, Stoltenberg says

BRUSSELS — NATO countries confirmed Friday they have available air defense systems that can be sent to Ukraine, the alliance's chief said.

Announcements are expected "in the near future," Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told the media after a virtual meeting between Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO defense ministers.

The emergency meeting, under the format of NATO-Ukraine Council, was called by Zelenskyy two days ago amid Russia's escalating missile attacks against Ukrainian civilians. It comes just a day before a crucial U.S. congressional vote to decide whether to give Ukraine a $60 billion package of military aid.

"NATO defense ministers have agreed to step up and provide further military support, including more air defense. NATO has mapped out existing capabilities across the lines and there are systems that can be made available to Ukraine," Stoltenberg said.

"So I expect new announcements on air defense capabilities for Ukraine soon ... I expect concrete announcements in the near future based on the information that was shared with us," he added.

While the focus is on the Patriot system, "there are other weapons that allies can provide, including SAMP/Ts," the NATO boss said, adding: "Many allies who do not have available systems have pledged to provide financial support to purchase them for Ukraine."

NATO is also working with industry to ramp up production and to refurbish systems to make them operational and fit for purpose, he said.