Ukraine needs missiles for air defense systems
19 April, 2023 9K37M1 Buk-M1 SAM of the Ukrainian military launches a missile at a Russian drone. July 2022. Ukraine.
Frame from the video of the military of Ukraine The main topic of the meeting in the Ramstein format, which will take place on April 21, will be the supply of missiles for air defense systems to Ukraine. The Financial Times reported on this with reference to sources informed about the preparation of the meeting.
Ukraine asserts the increase in the stockpile of missiles for anti-aircraft systems that could destroy Russian fighter jets. Some of them were used during drone attacks and missile attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure.
The State Emergency Service of Ukraine eliminating the consequences of shelling of infrastructure facilities, Rivne region, October 22, 2022. Photo credits: State Emergency Service of Ukraine
"Short range air defense is a topic that Ukrainians are increasingly raising.
If all the missiles are used, it will open up space for the Russian Air Force," said one European official. Western intelligence provided to NATO allies earlier this year suggested that the Russian Federation is building up fighter jets and attack helicopters near the front lines. That prompted an immediate increase in air defense aid, including through a £2 billion U.S. aid package announced in late February.
Officials also note that infrastructure protection has depleted Ukraine's stockpiles. This information is also included in the U.S. intelligence documents that were released online. They state that Ukraine might run out of missiles for five critical air defense systems.
The amount of ammunition might be critically reduced by the end of May.
SAM S-300PT. Photo: Command of the Air Force of the Armed Forces
"If it turns out to be true that Ukrainian air defenses, which rely heavily on Russian-made equipment and ammunition, are experiencing a shortage of ammunition, then this type of material cannot be replaced easily or quickly by the measure," British General Sir Richard Barrons emphasized. He also noted a risk that when Ukraine is ready for a counteroffensive, its ability to defend the sky will be limited.
And air cover is a critically important element of any successful ground attack. At the same time, Western officials remain optimistic, citing the fact that Russia has never been able to gain air superiority, and the flow of Western weapons to Ukraine continues. In addition, the decrease in the number of shelling of critical infrastructure made it possible to preserve the reserves of Ukrainian air defense.
"We do not see any threat that Ukraine will lose its advantage in the air.
Ukraine has enough [air defense] to protect itself. . . [although] they are low, we had a year of conflict, and no one has inexhaustible reserves," said one of the sources of the publication.
Also, the lack of missiles can contribute to a faster resolution of the issue of providing Western fighter jets to Ukraine.