Ukraine is facing a severe shortage of missiles for its PAC-3, NASAMS, and IRIS-T systems.

The Ukrainian Air Force is facing a severe shortage of interceptor missiles for its modern air defense systems such as PAC-3, NASAMS, and IRIS-T. This ammunition shortage leaves defense units virtually incapable of intercepting missile and drone attacks from Russia.

The causes of the missile supply disruption.

According to Yuriy Ignat, spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force, the main reason for this shortage stems from the US redirecting military resources. Washington has prioritized supplying interceptor missiles to the Middle East amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Kyiv's efforts to find alternative sources of supply from European allies have so far yielded no concrete results.

Notably, the exorbitant cost of ammunition is also a major obstacle. Each interceptor missile for these systems costs from several hundred thousand to millions of dollars. Even the minimum requirements of 5 to 10 missiles per system are difficult to meet. Ukrainian officials say the US has refused to deliver missiles even for contracts that European countries had already paid for.

Risks to Ukraine's strategic infrastructure

The depletion of anti-aircraft ammunition is occurring at a sensitive time, as military analysts predict that Russia may intensify its airstrikes. The key targets identified are Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure. Without timely ammunition replenishment, the power grid and substations could suffer significant damage, causing serious consequences for people's lives during the upcoming winter.

Currently, representatives from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense are actively working with NATO officials at the headquarters of the National Security and Training Support Command for Ukraine (NSATU) in Ramstein. However, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to dominate Washington's aid decisions, making Kyiv's needs a secondary priority in the global arms supply chain.