Ukraine Plans Joint Defense Partnerships to Address Missile Shortage

Ukraine's defense minister says the country is exploring partnerships with allied nations to develop air defense systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. The move comes as Ukraine faces a critical shortage of ammunition for its U.S.-supplied Patriot defense systems.

KYIV – Ukraine’s defense leadership is exploring collaborative partnerships with allied countries to develop advanced air defense capabilities that can intercept ballistic missiles, as the nation grapples with a severe shortage of ammunition for its American-supplied Patriot systems, according to the country’s defense minister.

The Patriot defense systems have played a crucial role in Ukraine’s ability to protect its airspace from Russian ballistic missile attacks, which travel at supersonic speeds and cannot be stopped by Ukraine’s other existing air defense technologies.

Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov revealed that supplies of PAC-3 missiles used by the Patriot systems have reached “critically” low levels.

“Ukraine has significant potential to independently produce counter-ballistic systems and missiles,” Fedorov explained to members of the press earlier this week, noting that air defense capabilities have been his primary priority since assuming his role in mid-January.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has frequently expressed frustration over delays from partner nations in delivering Patriot missiles and additional air defense equipment following Russia’s 2022 invasion, revealing that multiple systems were completely out of ammunition at one point during January.

According to Fedorov, he has already spoken with Zelenskiy about establishing joint air defense partnerships. Reuters was unable to confirm whether formal talks have begun with potential partner countries or identify which nations Ukraine is considering for these collaborations.

“This requires a dedicated project – the mathematics is complex and requires time. But Ukraine must develop its own capabilities,” Fedorov stated.