Europe Is Seeking Missiles for the Patriot System to Strengthen Ukraine's Defense — Politico
European countries have stepped up their search for interceptor missiles for the Patriot systems they plan to transfer to Ukraine. Kyiv is seeking to strengthen its missile defense ahead of a possible new wave of Russian attacks this winter.
Kyiv needs hundreds of PAC-2 and PAC-3 systems and missiles to defend against Russian ballistic missiles, but its allies are facing a critical shortage of their own supplies. According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, in July, air defense forces managed to shoot down only 29 of the 195 ballistic missiles launched, while Russia fires more missiles each week than Ukraine receives from its partners over the course of several months. To address this problem, Kyiv is developing its own “Freya” interceptor, but this project requires time and significant investment, making immediate external support critical.
“One of the priority areas is the Patriot system—specifically the PAC-3 or PAC-2. The first option is to purchase or obtain PAC-3 and PAC-2 interceptor missiles from stockpiles,” said Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
The stance of the U.S. and President Donald Trump remains a key factor in the supply, as the majority of PAC-3 missiles are manufactured in the United States. Although Trump had previously suggested the possibility of granting Ukraine a license to manufacture these missiles, he later rejected the idea, citing the complexity of technology transfer and the depletion of U.S. stockpiles due to the war against Iran. When asked about requests for additional aid, Trump noted that the U.S. itself needs the missiles, which shifts the main burden of aid to European countries.
Ukraine’s main European donors are already approaching their limits, as they strive to maintain the minimum necessary level of their own security. Germany, which has already transferred several Patriot systems, emphasizes that it has reached the limits of its capabilities. Jürgen Schredl, a senior official at the German Ministry of Defense, noted that the country must also ensure its own defense, while Norwegian Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik called on all countries on the continent to step up their efforts. Political pressure is mounting on countries in Southern and Eastern Europe, particularly Poland, Spain, and Greece. In particular, Poland’s transfer of several missiles has drawn sharp criticism from the local opposition.
Due to a shortage of air defense systems, Ukraine is considering the possibility of employing more aggressive tactics to destroy Russian launchers before they can fire. At the same time, Ukrainian diplomats continue to compile lists of missiles available from allies and negotiate their purchase or exchange.
“We are literally fighting for every missile,” emphasized Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga.
Source: Politico
Earlier, Finland explained why it would not provide Ukraine with missiles for the Patriot system.
As a reminder, during his first official visit to Serbia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that deliveries of interceptor missiles for Patriot systems in 2026 had decreased compared to 2025.
The Air Force reported that 72% of drones were destroyed during a nighttime attack by Russia.
