EU signals exhaustion of missile stockpile for Ukraine
Illustrative photo: EU announces depletion of missile stocks for Ukraine (Getty Images)
The European Union has already exhausted its own stockpiles of air defense missiles while trying to support Ukraine amid ongoing Russian attacks. Further supplies now critically depend on the stability of the global market, which is currently strained due to the conflict in the Middle East, according to Bloomberg.
Depletion of European arsenals
According to sources familiar with closed meetings in Brussels, EU member states have already tapped into their strategic reserves to aid Kyiv. Officials warn that air defense systems are becoming scarce, and the situation could worsen if the war between the US and Iran drags on.
Currently, Europe has taken the lead in funding military assistance for Ukraine, but most advanced weapons, including Patriot missiles, are produced in the United States.
Competition for Patriot missiles
The situation is further complicated as the war in the Persian Gulf burns through global PAC-3 interceptor stocks. In just the past 11 days, US allies have fired over 1,000 such missiles in the Middle East – more than Ukraine has received in all four years since the full-scale invasion (about 600 units).
Because of this, European leaders fear that a prolonged conflict could force Washington to further limit missile exports in order to replenish its own stocks and meet the needs of Gulf allies.
Aid despite shortages
Despite the critical situation, the German government, together with a group of European countries, announced plans to send Ukraine an additional 35 interceptor missiles. NATO programs have already allocated over $4 billion for air defense needs.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is offering partners an alternative solution – its own anti-drone systems and experience countering Shahed drones, which would allow allies to avoid using expensive Patriot missiles against cheap drones.
The US and Israeli operation against Iran
The large-scale military campaign by the US and Israel against Iran began on the morning of February 28 with a series of massive strikes on strategic targets. On the first day of the operation, the elimination of the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was confirmed.
On March 1, US President Donald Trump officially predicted the duration of active hostilities, stating the campaign is expected to conclude within four weeks.
