Main points
- The US and Middle Eastern countries prioritize providing themselves with Patriot systems, which reduces their availability to Ukraine.
- Ukraine has adapted to less dependence on the US, covering 60% of its defense needs with its own means, such as drones and electronic warfare.
The US and Middle Eastern countries are prioritizing Patriot systems for themselves, as well as for US bases and allies in the region. This will lead to a greater shortage of Patriot systems worldwide. Fewer Patriot systems will be available to Ukraine.
However, for most of the targets that Ukraine shoots down with air defense, Patriot systems are not needed. Former US special representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker noted to Channel 24 that they are most effective against missiles.
“But you have found cheaper and more widespread ways to shoot down drones and other bombing vehicles. For example, cruise bombs, which are much cheaper than what the US does. You developed them yourself. You are not dependent on the States for this. Therefore, it does not have the same impact that it would have had two years ago if you had said: 'Patriots are unavailable,'” he explained.
Pay attention! The US is gradually depleting its main stockpiles of air defense missiles. The CNN article explained where up to 50% of the US stockpiles of Patriot missiles have disappeared. It is noted that during the last seven weeks of hostilities with Iran, the States have used up at least 45% of the stockpiles of precision missiles. In particular, about 50% of Patriot interceptor missiles and at least half of the THAAD missile stockpiles. Analysts believe that these stocks of critical US ammunition may no longer be enough to confront an almost equal enemy, such as China. However, the Pentagon has already signed contracts to expand and accelerate missile production. Although the replacement of these systems may take from three to five years.
How did Ukraine adapt to the lack of US aid?
Kurt Volker emphasized that Ukraine has now adapted to the lack of assistance from the United States. In 2022 and 2023, Kyiv needed external assistance. In addition, there was talk then of HIMARS, tanks, aircraft, artillery. The States provided them in large quantities.
Now 60% of Ukraine's defense needs are covered by Ukraine itself. These are not the same categories of defense equipment that we talked about in 2022 and 2023. These are drones, means of combating UAVs, electronic warfare. Also sea and non-ground drones. Ukraine has become a leader in the production and development of the use of these means in war,
– said the former US special representative for Ukraine.
Patriot air defense system for Ukraine: what is known?
Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported a serious shortage of Patriot missiles in Ukraine amid the escalation in the Middle East. According to him, the supply of missiles continues, but is happening more slowly than necessary. Further, the supply of weapons may decrease, which is especially critical for air defense. Work is underway to reach new agreements with other partners.
The president also said that Ukraine wants to eliminate its dependence on Patriot within a year. Kyiv is developing its own alternative to counter Russian ballistic missiles. Zelensky stressed the importance of creating its own anti-ballistic system within a year.
The head of the communications department of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Yuriy Ignat, revealed the situation with Patriot ammunition in Ukraine. The Ukrainian military is forced to rationally use ammunition for the Patriot air defense system due to constant massive attacks from Russia. According to him, only 2 missiles out of 8 remained on one of the installations, which indicates a high intensity of use of the systems. Therefore, our state has an urgent need for additional missiles for the Patriot systems.