Ukraine Faces Critical Air-Defence Weapon Shortages Amid US Delays

Ukraine is grappling with a severe shortage of air-defence weapons as delays in military aid from the United States coincide with an escalation of Russian air attacks. According to officials from both Western nations and Ukraine, this situation poses a significant risk to the country’s ability to fend off increasing aerial threats. The slowdown in deliveries follows a review by the US Department of Defense, which has led to irregular and smaller shipments since a directive issued in June.

The urgency of the situation was starkly highlighted on March 15, 2024, when a Russian air strike targeted the village of Yarova in the Donetsk region, claiming the lives of at least 20 civilians, including pensioners waiting for their retirement benefits. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who described the aftermath as devastating, emphasized the need for international support, stating, “The world must not remain silent.”

The supply chain issues have been exacerbated by Ukraine’s reliance on munitions procured through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which produces weapons in batches, leading to gaps in availability. Although European nations have committed to providing additional air-defence systems and munitions, these supplies have only begun to trickle in, further straining Ukraine’s defences.

On March 10, Russian forces launched their largest aerial attack since the full-scale invasion, deploying 805 Shahed drones and 13 cruise and ballistic missiles, resulting in four casualties. As Russian troops advance in eastern Ukraine towards key cities, the pressure on Ukraine’s air-defence units increases significantly.

Warnings regarding the adequacy of air-defence supplies have been persistent, gaining traction amid Moscow’s intensified attacks. The slowdown in US arms deliveries follows a memo from Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s top policy official, which argued that meeting Ukraine’s demands could further deplete US stockpiles. A White House official countered these claims, asserting that the Department of Defense is committed to supporting Ukraine’s air-defence needs.

Since the summer, Ukrainian forces have expended substantial munitions to protect against relentless aerial assaults, which have targeted both military and civilian infrastructure. As winter approaches, Ukrainian officials anticipate even greater defensive challenges, particularly with an increase in drone attacks, averaging over 5,200 launches per month this summer. Although the number of missiles launched has decreased slightly, hundreds are still fired each month, according to Ukrainian Air Force data.

The situation escalated following a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump in Alaska last month, which coincided with a significant drone and missile attack on Kyiv. Katarína Mathernová, the EU ambassador to Ukraine, reported witnessing the damage firsthand, stating that an Iskander ballistic missile directly targeted the Ukrainian government’s cabinet building.

In response to the increasing threat, President Zelenskiy instructed Rustem Umerov, the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, to coordinate efforts in securing additional short and medium-range air-defence systems. The immediate priority is to intercept Iran-designed Shahed attack drones, which have become a focal point in the conflict.

Significant relief may be on the horizon, as European allies have commenced purchasing US weapons for Ukraine. This initiative follows a deal made during a summit at the White House in August, which allows nations to acquire military equipment from US stockpiles for Kyiv. In August alone, European partners purchased munitions worth approximately $2 billion (€1.7 billion), a move hailed by Zelenskiy as a “breakthrough point.” The Ukrainian leader indicated that the goal is to secure at least $1 billion each month to bolster the country’s defensive capabilities.

As the situation continues to unfold, the international community’s response will be crucial in determining Ukraine’s ability to sustain its air-defence operations in the face of escalating Russian aggression.