Ukraine is moving to a fundamentally new format for ensuring its air defense. The Ministry of Defense of the country announced work on direct contracts for the procurement of anti-ballistic missiles, as well as the launch of a program to create its own analog of such munitions.
Direct contracts for PAC-3
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed that Kyiv is negotiating the direct purchase of PAC-3 missiles. This decision will be a historical precedent, as similar deals have not been concluded before. According to the head of the military department, negotiations are in the final stage, and their successful completion is expected in the near future.
Despite the fact that missile supplies from American partners continue, their volume is insufficient to fully meet the needs of Ukrainian air defense. Fedorov emphasized that Kyiv has a specific plan to attract additional resources, including "non-obvious solutions".
Germany's role and the "return" scheme
An important element of the strategy has become cooperation with Germany. A large-scale contract has already been concluded for the supply of hundreds of PAC-2 GEM-T (Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical) and PAC-3 anti-ballistic missiles. The start of deliveries is scheduled for next year.
To solve the problem of the current shortage, the minister proposed a mechanism for temporary borrowing. "We want to borrow these missiles from some countries now, so to speak, in order to return them later," Fedorov explained. Earlier, European partners had already transferred several dozen units of munitions, which played a key role in repelling attacks in February and March.
Domestic production and secrecy
In addition to procurement, Ukraine is actively working on creating its own version of anti-ballistic missiles. Details of the development and specific figures are not disclosed in the interests of security, so as not to provide the enemy with extra information. According to the minister, the President of Ukraine is maximally involved in this process.
Critical shortage and delays
The need for such measures is dictated by the critical situation on the front. The Armed Forces of Ukraine reported a shortage of missiles for Patriot, NASAMS, and IRIS-T systems. In some units, ammunition stocks are practically exhausted.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously noted that a political agreement on the acquisition of additional Patriot systems has been reached, however, its implementation is being delayed due to the need to resolve financial, legal, and technical issues.
