Ukraine is forced to fight for every interceptor.
European countries have reached the limit of their capabilities in supplying interceptor missiles for Patriot systems. Ukraine has to fight for every missile to defend its sky, writes RBC-Ukraine with reference to Politico.
Germany has already transferred Patriot systems and missiles to Ukraine, but now Berlin is forced to consider its own defense needs and NATO requirements. European states are faced with a choice: transfer limited resources to Ukraine or keep them for their own defense.
“We are really reaching the limits of our capabilities here. We also have to ensure our own defense,” said Brigadier General Jürgen Schrodl, a high-ranking representative of the German Ministry of Defense, after the NATO summit in Ankara.
According to the publication, Berlin and the capitals of Northern Europe are urging to assess the possibility of additional assistance from partners who have stocks. This increases pressure on Poland, Spain, and Greece. The biggest deficit is observed among PAC-3 and PAC-2 missiles.
Countries located closer to Russia's borders are less and less willing to give up their air defense systems, so the allies' attention is shifting to the states of Southern Europe.
The main producer of PAC-3 interceptors remains the USA. During the meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump last month, Patriot missiles were the key topic of negotiations.
Initially, Trump allowed for the possibility of producing interceptors in Ukraine under license, but later stated that it was “dangerous to transfer such technology to Kyiv.”
Amid reports of depleted American arsenals due to the war with Iran, the White House chief emphasized that the USA “also needs missiles” and must first replenish its own stocks.
Ukraine also concluded an agreement to receive German-made PAC-2 interceptors, but their deliveries are not expected until next year.
The complexity of the situation is also confirmed by the Ukrainian diplomatic agency. Acting Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha noted that it is becoming increasingly difficult for Ukraine to buy, exchange, or receive available air defense ammunition.
He emphasized that the state is actually “fighting for each one of them.”
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