Against the backdrop of a missile shortage, Ukraine is receiving €4 billion and 36 IRIS‑T from Berlin
After using more than 1,800 Patriot missiles in 16 days, the United States will increase PAC‑3 production to 2,000 per year, and Ukraine is creating a Fire Point with interceptors costing less than $1 million
Ukraine is accelerating the strengthening of its air defense amid a global shortage of interceptor missiles: during Volodymyr Zelensky’s trip to Berlin new contracts and assistance were agreed, and partners together with Ukrainian manufacturers are seeking ways to ramp up production, reports Politico.
During talks in Berlin the head of state drew attention to the shortage of production capacity in the EU.
“There is not enough manufacturing capacity in Europe”
The backbone of Ukraine’s air defense shield is currently formed by Patriot systems and the European SAMP/T. At the same time Kyiv is seeking to expand European production of these systems and is simultaneously promoting its own developments, notably Fire Point, which could enter combat duty as soon as next year. The aim is to reduce the cost of an interceptor missile to less than 1 million dollars, roughly four times cheaper than the PAC-3.
The outcome of the visit to Germany was a defense agreement worth 4 billion euros. It includes a contract with Raytheon to produce hundreds of PAC-2 missiles for the Patriot with production located in Germany and deliveries from 2027, as well as the supply of 36 IRIS-T launchers from Diehl Defense. Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed that assistance will be expanded.
«Today we once again agreed on new support packages, first and foremost in the field of air defense».
The shortage has intensified amid the recent escalation in the Middle East: during joint US and Israeli operations against Iran more than 1800 Patriot missiles were fired in 16 days — more than twice what Ukraine has expended over years of war. Against this backdrop the Pentagon struck a 4,7 billion dollar deal with Lockheed Martin to increase PAC-3 production — from 600 to 2000 per year.
Although Ukraine’s air defenses demonstrate an interception rate of over 90% against drones, the biggest challenge is ballistic missiles, which require Patriots or SAMP/T to counter. According to the Defense Ministry, Russia has already used hundreds of ballistic and hypersonic munitions this year. Against this backdrop the president emphasized the need for a domestic shield against ballistic threats.
“Our unequivocal task is to build our own air defense capable of countering ballistic threats”
Previously we wrote:
- Zelensky: Russia is cutting missile production and betting on strike drones
- Missile shortages leave some air defense systems empty during attacks
- Germany wants to give Ukraine two more Patriot systems: decision lies with the US
- Ukraine prepares a mass hunt for “Shaheds”: interceptors already in combat, the West provides funds
- New Patriots won’t save Kharkiv and Mykolaiv. F-16 fighters as a panacea?
