Not just Patriot: Ukraine faces broader shortage of air defense missiles
Photo: Yurii Ihnat, head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command (facebook.com/yuriy.ihnat)
In addition to a shortage of missiles for Patriot air defense systems, Ukraine's Defense Forces also lack missiles for both ground-based systems and aircraft, according to Ukrainian Air Force Communications Department head Colonel Yurii Ihnat.
Acute shortage of air defense missiles
Ihnat noted that, in addition to an insufficient stockpile of Patriot missiles, Ukraine faces another shortage in its air defense capabilities.
"Even missiles for ground-based platforms and airborne platforms are in short supply," he said.
The colonel noted that on August 23, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with leaders of the Nordic countries.
"Virtually every conversation with every leader touched on strengthening our air defense, especially for the autumn-winter period," Ihnat said.
The Air Force Communications Department head noted that Ukraine relies on the combat capabilities of:
- ground-based systems;
- airborne platforms.
"After all, aircraft, like Patriot systems, cannot operate without missiles," Ihnat concluded.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Ukraine has no missiles left for its Patriot air defense systems, meaning enemy ballistic missiles cannot be intercepted. Russian media then take screenshots of such reports and circulate them.
It was also reported that Ihnat once again appealed to Ukrainian media outlets and Telegram channels, asking them not to spread panic when reporting on missile interceptions.
In addition, according to Ihnat, Russian forces have changed their tactics for striking Ukraine, significantly increasing their use of ballistic missiles compared with cruise missiles.
