Key facts
- Ukraine needs more air defense systems, especially Patriot interceptors, to counter Russian attacks.
- Ukraine's NATO envoy Alyona Getmanchuk proposed allies donate existing interceptors, to be replaced later by Ukraine.
- Kyiv is ordering hundreds of Patriot interceptors, SAMP/T, Aster 30 missiles, and IRIS-T systems.
- Ukraine requires air-to-air missiles and MANPADS in addition to Patriot interceptors.
- NATO's PURL program supplies 90% of Ukraine's Patriot interceptors.
Ukraine requires an increased supply of air defense systems to counter the growing scale of Russian attacks, according to Ukraine’s NATO Ambassador Alyona Getmanchuk. She told POLITICO on Friday that allies are hesitant due to depleted stockpiles and insufficient production rates for crucial Patriot interceptors.
Getmanchuk emphasized that supporting Ukraine's defense is also in NATO's interest, as destroying Russian drones and missiles in Ukrainian airspace prevents them from crossing into neighboring NATO countries. She suggested that Western nations could donate missiles nearing the end of their service lives, with Ukraine replacing them later through substantial orders. These orders include hundreds of Patriot interceptors (PAC-2s and PAC-3s), as well as European systems like SAMP/T and Aster 30 missiles, and IRIS-T.
Ukraine is experiencing an increase in Russian ballistic missile attacks due to a shortage of interceptors, and also needs air-to-air missiles and MANPADS to counter drones. Getmanchuk urged countries to boost funding for the NATO-led PURL program, which currently provides 90% of Ukraine's Patriot interceptors. She also noted that aiding Ukraine now will reduce future rebuilding costs after the war.