Ukraine Hits 1 Iskander Launcher as Patriot Missile Stocks Fall Near Empty
Updated
Updated · Kyiv Independent · Aug 23
Ukraine Hits 1 Iskander Launcher as Patriot Missile Stocks Fall Near Empty
3 articles · Updated · Kyiv Independent · Aug 23
Summary
Ukraine struck a Russian Iskander ballistic-missile launcher near its border on Aug. 22, with Zelensky saying the attack was part of a new operation to hunt launch sites before large-scale strikes.
The tactic reflects a shortage of ballistic-missile interceptors: Zelensky said Ukraine has received 264 Patriot missiles this year, versus an Air Force request for 360 after an initial 300 target.
Russia still poses a heavy threat, with Zelensky estimating Moscow holds 600-630 ballistic missiles and could eventually produce about 100 a month, or as many as 1,300 a year.
Ukraine is seeking 5-10% of U.S. Patriot stocks and says it is ready to pay, while Germany has agreed to provide 600 PAC-2 missiles in 2027-2028.
Longer term, Kyiv is advancing the Freyja project with European partners to build a new anti-ballistic missile system as it looks beyond Patriot supplies.
How will Ukraine's desperate shift to striking deep inside Russian territory reshape the war while the world scrambles to rebuild missile stockpiles?
As Russia exploits a critical defense shortage, will experimental European interceptors arrive in time to close a dangerous global window of vulnerability?