Ukrainian air defenses on "meager rations": Ihnat said there is a shortage of missiles for Patriot, NASAMS and IRIS-T
After massive strikes on the energy infrastructure, Ukraine urgently needs replenishment of air-defense missiles
Ukraine is facing a shortage of missiles for the Patriot, NASAMS and IRIS-T air defense systems due to intensive Russian strikes and difficulties with arms supplies. This was reported on May 8, 2026, by Ukrinform citing an interview with the head of the Communications Department of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel Yurii Ihnat.
According to him, due to significant ammunition expenditures and supply problems, missile stocks have been substantially depleted, and some air defense units have a limited ammunition load.
“Today we have ended up ‘on a starvation ration’ regarding missiles because of certain supply problems. Representatives of the Air Forces are constantly working both at Ramstein and in other negotiating groups, where they have to ask even for a few — 5-10 missiles for the PAC-3, NASAMS, IRIS-T systems and others, because ammunition expenditures are very large,” — said Ihnat.
He explained that the heavy burden on Ukraine’s air defense is related to intensive Russian attacks during the winter period. According to Ihnat, Ukraine endured 15 large-scale mass strikes on energy infrastructure, after which missile stocks urgently need replenishment.
Separately, the Air Forces representative drew attention to the fact that global demand for air defense systems and missiles for them is also increasing, in particular due to the conflict in the Middle East. This also complicates obtaining the necessary armaments.
“Today the launchers that are part of certain units and batteries are semi-empty — that is putting it mildly. They have a limited number of missiles, but they must be,” — emphasized Yurii Ihnat.
According to him, Ukrainian command is forced to disperse available forces and missiles across different regions to ensure at least a minimal level of protection across the country’s territory. At the same time Ihnat stressed that Ukrainian servicemen already have unique combat experience in using modern air defense systems, interceptor drones and F-16 fighters in the conditions of a full-scale war.
Earlier we wrote:
- Missile shortages leave some air defense systems empty during attacks
- Against the backdrop of missile shortages, Ukraine receives €4 billion and 36 IRIS-T from Berlin
- Ballistics did not stop: Russia struck Ukraine with rockets and hundreds of drones
- Ukraine is creating its own air defense dome against mass drone attacks
- Are Kinzhal missiles no longer omnipotent? Ukraine announced a breakthrough that could save cities from rockets
