Ukraine's demand for US-made Patriot air defense systems demonstrates the need for adequate interceptor stockpiles for future conflicts. The MIM-104 Patriot serves as Ukraine's premier surface-to-air missile system, essential in defending against Russian assaults. Operating six batteries, Ukraine faces challenges due to a shortage of missiles, prompting calls for more support from allies. Different variants of Patriot interceptors enhance tactical flexibility, underscoring the necessity of a varied stockpile to address diverse threats such as drones and ballistic missiles.
The MIM-104 Patriot is Ukraine's best surface-to-air missile system and a critical shield since it arrived in the country over two years ago. Kyiv is believed to be operating six batteries, which are a critical element in its defense against Russia's massive attacks on Ukrainian cities, especially those involving ballistic missiles.
Lt. Col. James Compton said that the Ukraine conflict "has highlighted that you should not stockpile one or two types of interceptors. It is obviously important to have a large number, but there are several variants of the Patriot missile, each bringing its own capability against a threat."
The high-tempo operating environment has strained Patriot interceptor stockpiles. Ukraine has long been hamstrung by a shortage of missiles, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy repeatedly calling on the US and NATO allies to send more.
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