Ukrainian Allies Delay Transfer of Missiles to Air Defense Systems Amid Drone Threats
Allied countries are not yet ready to grant Ukraine licenses for the production of missiles for air defense, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported. This occurs amidst rising threats from Russian drones.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that allies are suspending the transfer of missiles to air defense systems such as NASAMS, IRIS-T, Hawk, and Patriot. During a conversation with journalists in the President’s Office chat, he mentioned that Ukraine has three options to solve the missile shortage problem: obtaining production licenses, purchasing ready-made products, or financing through partners.
Zelenskyy expressed regret that Ukraine has not yet received licenses. He suggested that delays in supplies are connected to the influence of Russian drones on societies in some European countries, causing concern in the public.
The situation is particularly difficult with the Patriot PAC-3 systems, which are produced in only 55-60 units per year. However, the American side is working on increasing their production.
In mid-December, it became known that the United Kingdom decided to allocate over 800 million dollars to enhance the Ukrainian air defense system, indicating continued support from Western partners.
| Air Defense System | Production Quantity (per year) |
|---|---|
| Patriot PAC-3 | 55-60 |
