The German government is engaged in intensive talks with the United States to purchase at least two additional MIM-104F Patriot air-defense missile systems for delivery to Ukraine. This move follows a pause by the U.S. on certain arms shipments to Ukraine amid escalating Russian drone and missile attacks. Germany has already transferred three Patriot systems to Ukraine and retains nine of the 36 it possessed during the Cold War. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed ongoing working-level discussions with U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, with a decision expected within days or weeks, though actual delivery could take months. The deal is valued at approximately €2 billion, with Germany fully funding the purchase. Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly affirmed Germany's readiness to buy the Patriot systems and discussed the plan with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Merz also called for clarity on how the U.S. might replace European weapons supplied to Ukraine. The acquisition aims to bolster Ukraine's air defenses amid intensified Russian attacks and the U.S. temporary halt on some critical weapons deliveries.