PAC-3 missile stocks for Patriot in Ukraine almost exhausted - The Economist
Ukraine is facing an acute shortage of PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems, which remain its primary means of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. Available stocks of such interceptors are almost exhausted, and a significant increase in supplies is not expected in the near future.
The Economist reports.
According to the publication, the situation is complicated by the simultaneous growth of Russian missile production. Russia is currently capable of producing about 100 of its most dangerous missiles per month, including approximately 60 'Iskander-M'.
At the same time, Ukraine's capabilities to intercept ballistic targets remain limited. According to official data from the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during August the Defense Forces destroyed eight 'Iskander-M/KN-23' ballistic missiles. In total, over 4,600 aerial targets were destroyed during the month.
Large PAC-3 supplies remain a problem
The Economist notes that at the end of August, Ukraine received a small number of PAC-3 interceptors purchased by European allies. However, such supplies do not yet allow forming a stable stock of missiles for prolonged resistance to massive attacks.
An additional problem has been the reduction of available Patriot stocks in the United States amid American military operations against Iran. European allies are also cautious about transferring their own interceptors due to uncertain replenishment times.
Europe is simultaneously increasing production of alternative anti-aircraft missiles and preparing new SAMP/T systems for Ukraine, but these programs cannot quickly compensate for the PAC-3 shortage. Expanding production capacity will require several more years.
Due to the shortage of interceptors, Ukraine is increasingly forced to combine air defense with other ways to reduce the missile threat - protection of critical infrastructure and strikes on Russian production facilities and launchers.
Source: The Economist, Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
