Ukrainian air-defense units have shifted to conservation tactics, often firing one Patriot interceptor at a ballistic missile instead of the usual two or more.
Supply shortages and relentless Russian strikes drove the change, pushing crews trained in standard U.S. and German Patriot doctrine to rewrite how the system is used in combat.
Patriot batteries are now largely reserved for the fastest ballistic threats, while operators switch to manual mode to avoid wasting missiles on slower, cheaper drones.
Machine guns on rooftops, truck beds and helicopters — and increasingly interceptor drones — are taking over more of the anti-drone role.
Monday's Russian attack underscored the pressure on Ukraine's defenses as wars in Iran and the Gulf further strain global stocks of advanced Patriot interceptors.
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Running on Empty: Ukraine’s Patriot Missile Shortage and the Global Struggle to Sustain Air Defense
Overview
Ukraine is facing a critical air defense crisis as Russia intensifies its aerial attacks, forcing civilians in Kyiv to seek shelter more often than before. The Ukrainian air defense, especially the American-made Patriot system, is running dangerously low on interceptor missiles, leading to failures in stopping ballistic missiles and highlighting an urgent need for more anti-ballistic defenses. NATO countries have supplied some interceptors, but shortages persist, pushing Ukraine to adopt risky tactics like firing fewer missiles per threat. This situation exposes vulnerabilities in both Ukraine’s and its allies’ defense capabilities, emphasizing the need for rapid adaptation and stronger international support.