Ukraine running low on key air-defence missiles, resupply unlikely soon

Ukraine faces a growing shortfall in several of its most important air-defence munitions as stocks of AIM-120 and AIM-9 missiles for F-16s and PAC-3 interceptors for Patriot batteries are expected to run out soon, according to reporting by a British weekly.

That assessment comes amid a rapid increase in Russian weapons output. The report estimates Russia is producing roughly 3,000 Geran-4 and Geran-5 unmanned aerial vehicles each month — some capable of reaching speeds of 600 kilometres per hour — alongside about 100 ballistic missiles monthly, including roughly 60 Iskander-M rockets.

Short-term resupply limits

U.S. largescale deliveries of PAC-3 interceptors appear unlikely in the near term, the same analysis concludes, leaving Kyiv to seek alternative sources and solutions to protect its skies.

Officials in Kyiv are placing particular hope in deliveries of the Franco‑Italian SAMP/T system and its Aster missiles, which could relieve pressure on U.S.-supplied interceptors if delivered and integrated quickly.

At the same time, Ukraine and several European manufacturers are developing a cheaper interceptor called Freya that is intended to be suitable for mass production and to reduce reliance on PAC-3s.

The combination of higher Russian production of drones and missiles and constrained Western resupply options increases the urgency for Kyiv to diversify its air-defence procurement and accelerate domestic and European development projects.

Photo: press material from the event