Kyiv is facing a critical shortage of missiles for Patriot air defense systems. Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiga stated that the country is forced to wage a complex diplomatic battle for every unit of weaponry, while the diplomatic corps is working in a state of heightened readiness to secure them.
The situation regarding the supply of air defense (AD) systems remains one of the most acute issues in Ukraine's current security agenda. Amidst ongoing attacks and limited production capacities of allies, Kyiv is forced to seek non-standard solutions to maintain its defense capabilities.
Geopolitical shortage and production limitations
During a recent statement, Andriy Sybiga revealed details behind the ammunition shortage. According to him, the key factor is the limited production in the United States. Specifically, the American side is capable of producing about 600 PAC-3 missiles per year. This number is critically low to cover the needs of all US partners worldwide.
«Unfortunately, the geopolitical reality is that the American side can produce about 600 PAC-3 missiles a year. And given the situation in the Middle East, we understand how difficult it is for us to obtain, buy, exchange, and secure these missiles right now. We are literally fighting for every missile», — noted the Acting Head of the MFA.
Sybiga emphasized that competition for these resources is exacerbated by conflicts in other regions, primarily in the Middle East, where air defense systems are also required to protect infrastructure and the population.
Diplomatic front: work of ambassadors and licensing
In response to the shortage, Ukraine has intensified diplomatic efforts. According to Sybiga, every Ukrainian ambassador in partner countries works daily on the issue of obtaining missiles, especially those intended for anti-missile defense.
Furthermore, Kyiv is conducting active consultations with Washington regarding licensing. This implies the possibility of producing missiles on Ukrainian territory or transferring them through third countries, which requires complex bureaucratic and legal work.
«Principle talks between the President of Ukraine and the President of the US have taken place. Now we need to discuss all these issues with all stakeholders. And these talks are continuing», — added the diplomat.
Contradictory data
In the context of the AD supply problem, there are discrepancies in the assessment of the situation by the Ukrainian leadership. On the one hand, Andriy Sybiga explains the missile shortage by objective factors: global production shortage and competition from other conflicts (Middle East).
On the other hand, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that missile supplies for air defense systems have decreased threefold compared to the previous period (the source mentions 2025, which requires context clarification, but the essence is a sharp decline). At the same time, Zelenskyy suggested that the reduction in supplies might not only be a result of logistical problems but also an attempt by the West to make Ukraine «more compliant» in negotiation matters.
Thus, the official position of the MFA focuses on production and geopolitical limitations, while the presidential agenda allows for the presence of political pressure from partners.
Strategic importance of PAC-3 missiles
PAC-3 (Patriot Advanced Capability-3) missiles are one of the most effective means of intercepting ballistic missiles and cruise munitions. For Ukraine, which is subjected to regular missile strikes, these systems are critically important for protecting cities and strategic objects. A shortage of ammunition for Patriot systems directly affects the density of the «shield» over the country.
Andriy Sybiga confirmed that President Zelenskyy is holding separate meetings on this issue, which indicates the highest priority of solving the problem at the state leadership level.
