Ukraine air defense intercepts over 90% of Russian targets, but faces critical missile shortage
Photo: Ukrainian air defense forces shot down nearly 92% of Shahed drones in May (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
In May, Ukrainian air defense increased the effectiveness of intercepting drones and missiles despite the growing intensity of Russian attacks. But missiles capable of shooting down ballistic weapons are still critically needed, according to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
In May, during massive attacks, the enemy used 8,351 air attack assets. For comparison, there were about 6,700 in April.
Out of 8,150 drones of the Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas type, 7,476 were intercepted, i.e., 91.73%.
Out of 211 cruise and ballistic missiles, 112 were intercepted, i.e., over 53%.
The overall interception rate of air targets during mass strikes reached 90.75%.
Among the missiles destroyed in May:
- 2 extremely difficult-to-shoot-down aeroballistic Kh-47 M2 Kinzhal missiles;
- 50 Kh-101 cruise missiles;
- 10 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles;
- 11 Kalibr cruise missiles;
- 14 guided Kh-59/69 air-launched missiles;
- 24 Iskander-K cruise missiles.
“But under conditions of record workloads, missiles capable of shooting down ballistic weapons are critically needed. Therefore, Ukraine is counting on the support of partners in purchasing PAC-3 missiles for Patriot air defense systems, which are capable of intercepting ballistic missiles,” the Ministry of Defense noted.
Shortage of missiles for Patriot systems
Yurii Ihnat, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, announced a severe shortage of missiles for the Patriot, NASAMS, and IRIS-T systems. According to him, ammunition stocks in some units are nearly depleted, and Ukraine needs new supplies from its partners.
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine has a political agreement to purchase additional Patriot systems. But the implementation of the agreement is being delayed due to financial, legal, and technical issues.
On May 27, Zelenskyy sent an urgent letter to US President Donald Trump and Congress regarding the critical shortage of air defense systems amid intensifying Russian attacks.
In his appeal, the head of state emphasized that the lack of air defense capabilities poses a serious threat to the civilian population, as Ukraine does not have sufficient means to intercept ballistic missiles.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptor missiles remain one of the key elements in Ukraine’s defense against Russian air attacks. According to him, the supply of these munitions from the US continues regularly.
At the same time, Ukraine wants to manufacture Patriot systems together with its partners. Negotiations with the US about obtaining a license to produce Patriot systems have become a separate area of focus.
