Russia is exploiting a critical global shortage of air defence interceptor missiles as it intensifies airstrikes against Ukraine, with experts warning that a shortfall in the Patriot system in particular is creating a 'window of vulnerability' for countries that rely on it.
The MIM-104 Patriot, manufactured by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, is the primary US surface-to-air system for shooting down ballistic missiles and is widely used by US allies, including Gulf states and Ukraine. Each battery costs about $1bn (£740m), and heavy use in the US-Israeli campaign against Iran, alongside Ukraine, has strained supplies.
On Tuesday, after a massive Russian air raid involving 73 missiles and almost 700 drones, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his plea for more interceptor stocks. Analysts say the shortages have been noted from China to Iran, even as the US moves to increase production.
The shortage also affects Nato readiness, with Germany, the Netherlands, Greece, Spain, Poland and Sweden among users. According to some estimates, the Iran conflict has depleted nearly a third of Patriot interceptor stockpiles, with Gulf states firing over 1,100 interceptors. Lockheed Martin produces about 600 interceptors annually, costing roughly $3m each, and aims to more than treble production.
Mark Cancian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies said there is a 'window of vulnerability' as inventories are used up and need time to rebuild. He noted that the high cost of the Patriot system led to small stockpiles after the Cold War, as many nations did not anticipate protracted conflicts requiring extensive use.
