Europe faces Patriot missile shortage as Ukraine fights for every interceptor
Photo: Patriot air defense system (Getty Images)
European countries have reached the limits of their capacity to supply interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems. Ukraine is being forced to fight for every missile needed to protect its skies, according to Politico.
Germany has already supplied Ukraine with Patriot systems and missiles, but now Berlin must take into account its own defense needs and NATO requirements. European countries face a choice between sending their limited resources to Ukraine or keeping them for their own protection.
"We are really reaching our limits here. We also have to ensure our own protection," Brigadier General Jürgen Schrödl, a senior German Defense Ministry official, said after the NATO summit in Ankara.
According to the outlet, Berlin and Nordic capitals are calling for additional contributions from partners that still have stockpiles. This is increasing pressure on Poland, Spain and Greece. The biggest shortages concern PAC-3 and PAC-2 missiles.
Countries closer to Russia's borders are becoming increasingly reluctant to give up their air defense systems, shifting allies' focus toward southern European states.
Dependence on the US and Trump's position
The United States remains the main manufacturer of PAC-3 interceptors. During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's meeting with US President Donald Trump last month, missiles for Patriot systems were one of the key topics of discussion.
Trump initially suggested the possibility of producing interceptors in Ukraine under license, but later said that "it's a hard thing to give away that kind of technology."
Amid reports that US arsenals have been depleted by the war with Iran, the White House said that the United States also needs missiles and must replenish its own stockpiles first.
Ukraine has also signed an agreement to receive German-made PAC-2 interceptors, but deliveries are not expected before next year.
Fighting for every missile
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has also acknowledged the growing difficulty of the situation. Acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said it is becoming increasingly difficult for Ukraine to buy, exchange, or obtain available air defense missiles.
He stressed that the country is effectively "fighting for every missile."
Earlier, President Zelenskyy criticized bureaucratic delays in issuing licenses that he had requested at the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion.
It was also reported that US Patriot manufacturers are reluctant to transfer production technology to Ukraine, fearing that Kyiv could eventually manufacture missiles faster and at lower cost than the United States.
In addition, the UK defense secretary called on allies to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses before winter, when the strain on the system could increase significantly.
