Ukraine struggles with missile shortage as Russian tactics shift
Ukraine is grappling with a critical shortage of missiles for its air defense systems, drastically reducing its effectiveness against Russian attacks, reports "Le Monde."
What do you need to know?
- Critical missile shortage: Ukraine has run out of missiles for two SAMP/T system batteries, significantly weakening its defense capabilities.
- Change in Russia's tactics: Russian drones are now being deployed from higher altitudes, making them more difficult to combat using traditional methods.
- Need for support: Ukraine urgently needs to replenish its stock of missiles for the SAMP/T, Patriot, and Iris-T systems.
What are the consequences of the missile shortage?
The French newspaper "Le Monde" reports that Ukraine is experiencing a severe shortage of missiles for its SAMP/T air defense systems. This lack of missiles for the advanced systems, produced by France and Italy, significantly weakens the country's defense capabilities. In early 2024, Ukraine was able to shoot down about 90 percent of Iranian kamikaze drones; however, that rate has now dropped to just 30 percent.
How is Russia changing its tactics?
The Russians have modified their tactics by deploying drones from higher altitudes, making them more challenging to counter with traditional anti-aircraft guns. Additionally, Russia has begun producing upgraded Iranian drones that carry a larger explosive load, presenting new challenges for Ukrainian air defense.
Ukrainian air defense commanders emphasize that the situation is particularly difficult in the south of the country. Besides the urgent need to replenish missile stocks for the SAMP/T, Ukraine also requires more missiles for the Patriot and Iris-T systems to effectively defend against attacks.
