Image: from Sprinter Press X@SprinterPress
By Open Chronicle News Desk
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine is grappling with a severe shortage of air defense missiles, forcing military commanders to make tactical compromises during massive Russian aerial assaults. In a revealing interview published on February 2, Col. Yurii Ihnat, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, detailed the precarious state of the country’s defensive shield.
According to Col. Ihnat, the shortage has reached a point where sophisticated systems like the NASAMS are operating well below capacity. “I won’t reveal any secrets: for example, there is a NASAMS complex, but instead of six missiles, there are only two in the launcher,” Ihnat told RBC-Ukraine. This thinning of resources is a deliberate move to distribute available munitions across more launchers, attempting to cover a broader geographic area despite the limited stock.
The situation underscores a logistical “just-in-time” reality that has alarmed Ukrainian leadership. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently highlighted that critical interceptor missiles for systems such as the Patriot, IRIS-T, and NASAMS have, at times, arrived only 24 hours before major Russian strikes. One such delivery prior to an attack on January 20 was described as “significantly helpful” in preventing widespread destruction.
International partners are moving to fill the gaps. Germany recently announced the upcoming delivery of additional IRIS-T systems, following the transfer of two Patriot complexes late last year. Furthermore, President Zelenskyy confirmed an agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump for a new package of PAC-3 missiles, specifically designed for the Patriot system to intercept advanced ballistic threats.
Despite these reinforcements, the Ukrainian Air Force remains under immense pressure. The reliance on sporadic deliveries for F-16 aircraft and ground-based batteries highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining a consistent defense against Russia’s persistent missile and drone campaigns.