Patriot missiles for Ukraine delayed, US ambassador to NATO reveals why
Patriot air defense system (photo: Getty Images)
The main limitation on supplying Ukraine with PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems is a lack of global production capacity. As a result, existing weapons stocks are insufficient to meet current needs, Matthew Whitaker, the US permanent representative to NATO, said.
Production capacity problem
According to Whitaker, demand for the missiles from allies currently far exceeds supply. The solution is to increase production in both the United States and Europe.
"These missiles are highly specialized, and producing them takes time—the seeker heads and all the other components. But missile defense is important," the diplomat said.
He added that the United States and its allies are currently working out details concerning export licenses and intellectual property rights to launch joint production of Patriot missiles in Ukraine.
However, this is a long-term prospect and will not solve the problem of protecting Ukraine's skies this winter.
Growing hybrid threats
Whitaker noted that Russia is becoming increasingly aggressive and taking greater risks on the battlefield.
In addition, the active use of electronic warfare is causing drones to veer off course and cross the borders of neighboring countries.
The US envoy called on NATO members to invest more in affordable counter-drone systems.
He stressed that in future conflicts, the first strike could target critical infrastructure.
"If we get anywhere near invoking Article 5, it would be a catastrophic hybrid attack that would essentially constitute an act of war. But we are not there yet," the official concluded.
Ukraine's air defense needs
Ukraine has repeatedly stressed the need to strengthen its air defense ahead of the winter period.
In particular, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the country needs around 300 PAC-3 interceptors to defend against Russian attacks.
Patriot missiles situation
As earlier reported, the United States is ready to approve the transfer of another batch of interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.
The package includes 10 MIM-104E GEM-T missiles worth $29.6 million, which Germany plans to provide to Ukrainian air defense forces from its own stocks.
Also, Ukraine is awaiting the possibility of producing the less advanced PAC-2 version under the appropriate license, as US President Donald Trump previously said.
Ukrainian forces already use this missile variant to protect the country's airspace from Russian attacks.
