Washington, 16 August 2024 (dpa/MIA) — The United States on Thursday approved the possible sale of up to 600 Patriot air defence missiles to Germany for about $5 billion, the US State Department said.

In a statement, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said the proposed sale would improve Germany's capability to meet current and future threats and increase the defensive capabilities of its military.

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe," the statement said.

"It will support Germany's goal of improving national and territorial defense as well as interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces."

The sale would also include related equipment including tools and test equipment, training equipment, spare and repair parts and logistics support.

The DSCA said it had delivered the required certification notifying Congress of the possible sale on Thursday.

Germany had supplied Ukraine with three Patriot systems and associated missiles since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbour in February 2022.

The Patriot air-defence missile system can be used to combat enemy aircraft, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. The defence missiles can hit targets at a distance of around 100 kilometres at altitudes of up to 30 kilometres.