Zelensky Warned of Missile Shortage As Russia Ramps Up Production

Russia is now mass-producing Iskander missiles and using North Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles, often targeting civilian buildings. U.S. President Donald Trump earlier promised to license Patriot production to Ukraine but later reversed course. Even with a license, Ukraine would face hurdles accessing components and assembly know-how.

Each Patriot battery is a complex system of 8 to 12 vehicles, requiring six months to a year of operator training and constant logistics. PAC-3 interceptors cost $3–4 million each, with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon producing about 620 annually, far below demand from Ukraine, Israel, Europe, and Gulf states. Ukraine needs an estimated 1,500 interceptors per year, though Zelensky would accept 300 for winter protection.

The U.S. military has only about 800 units left for its own defense. Ukraine is now considering targeting Russian missile launchers and factories instead of intercepting missiles, though it lacks sufficient domestic missiles and satellite intelligence.