EU acknowledges threat to Patriot missile supplies for Ukraine
Photo: The US produces around 700 missiles for Patriot annually (Getty Images)
Europe is exploring ways to avoid the impact of events in the Middle East on the supply of missiles to Ukraine for its air defense systems, said EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius in an interview with Radio Free Europe.
According to him, developments around Iran could affect global missile supplies for air defense systems and lead to delays in shipments to Ukraine.
"This is definitely a concern for us, as missiles for air defense systems are currently being heavily used by the armed forces of the US, Israel, Arab countries, and others," Kubilius said.
"Missile tour" across Europe
He noted that the annual production of American Patriot missiles is about 700 units.
"There may be a question of how to ensure that deliveries to Ukraine are not affected. This is one of the strategic issues we are currently examining," the Commissioner emphasized.
Kubilius also announced a so-called "missile tour" this week, during which he will visit European manufacturers to accelerate missile deliveries to Ukraine.
He added that the European Union does not produce Patriot missiles, which complicates a rapid solution to the problem.
Joint US-Israel operation against Iran
A joint US-Israel operation against Iran began on the morning of February 28. The military forces from both countries carried out a series of strikes on Iranian territory.
On Sunday, March 1, US President Donald Trump officially outlined the timeframe for the military campaign against Iran, stating that the active combat phase would last no more than four weeks.
It is noted that Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was eliminated within the first 24 hours of the joint US-Israel operation.
