European States, Ukraine Launch Missile Shield Coalition as PAC-3 Supply Falls to 800-850
Updated
Updated · Ukraine Crisis Media Center · Aug 12
European States, Ukraine Launch Missile Shield Coalition as PAC-3 Supply Falls to 800-850
3 articles · Updated · Ukraine Crisis Media Center · Aug 12
Summary
A July 13 coalition of European states and Ukraine aims to jointly develop an advanced missile-defense system to protect Ukraine and potentially other European countries.
Russia’s rising ballistic-missile output and North Korea’s potential supply of dozens to hundreds of missiles a year are driving the effort, alongside shortages of Patriot interceptors.
Ukraine wants the partnership to secure access to engines, guidance systems, radars and electronics while building its own production base, rather than being left outside key postwar supply chains.
PAC-3 production remains a difficult near-term option: US stocks reportedly fell from about 2,500 missiles to 800-850, and even licensed manufacturing would still depend on US guidance components and take years to establish.
That leaves Kyiv and its European partners pushing a dual track—seeking more Patriot-related capacity while developing an independent joint missile-defense industry less exposed to US political and supply constraints.