(NewsNation) — One of Ukraine’s most requested weapons is the Patriot missile system. But after heavy use by the United States and Israel in both the Middle East and against Russia, concerns are growing that the U.S. is running low.
According to the Guardian, the U.S. only has about 25% of the Patriot missile interceptors needed for the Pentagon’s military plans.
The stockpile has fallen so low that concerns have been raised inside the Pentagon that future U.S. military operations could be jeopardized.
US produces 600 Patriot missiles annually
Patriot missiles are meant to intercept ballistic missiles and cruise missiles at any altitude and in all weather conditions.
The U.S. produces 600 Patriot missiles a year, according to the Guardian, and last month fired nearly 30 Patriots to intercept dozens of Iranian missiles aimed at a U.S. command base in Qatar.
Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. John Teichert said the current munition shortage could have been avoided if the U.S. had ramped up production capacity when it first recognized, more than three years ago, that wars like the one in Ukraine demand sustained supply.
“We need to take a bit of time to assess the type of munitions we have and the type of munitions we need,” he said. “It is true that constantly, there is risk management decisions to be made about where forces and equipment are allocated around the world.”
Trump reverses course, vows to send more weapons to Ukraine
The Pentagon’s global munitions tracker flags weapons that are in low supply, leading the Pentagon to freeze munitions going to Ukraine just last week. That pause came at a critical time as Russia launched its biggest aerial attacks of the war so far.
However, the Department of Defense is expected to reverse that decision and send additional weapons to Ukraine.
“Because Putin is not treating human beings right,” Trump told reporters Monday. “He’s killing too many people, so we’re sending some defensive weapons to Ukraine, and I’ve approved that.”
Trump didn’t say whether those defense weapons destined for Ukraine include Patriot missiles. Still, he’s considering alternatives, including pressing Germany to send its own Patriot battery, according to Axios.
That would work in favor of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy, as he plans to meet Trump’s envoy this week in Rome to discuss future weapon shipments.
However, there is concern among NATO countries about giving up their interceptors more quickly than they can be made.