**Urgent Need for Patriot Missiles as Russia’s Aerial Attacks Escalate**
The world is witnessing a significant shortage of one of the most effective air defense systems – the US-made Patriot missile system. This comes at a time when Russia’s aerial attacks on Ukraine are intensifying, and countries around the globe are seeking to bolster their defenses against ballistic missiles.
**Why Ballistic Missiles are So Hard to Shoot Down**
Ballistic missiles are notoriously difficult to intercept because they fly in a curved trajectory, reaching speeds of over 3,200 kilometers per hour. Unlike cruise missiles, which have guidance systems throughout their flight, ballistic missiles rely on gravity and aerodynamics to reach their targets. This makes them particularly challenging to shoot down.
**The Unique Advantage of Patriot Missiles**
The Patriot system is one of the few air defense systems in the world capable of defending against ballistic missiles. Its open architecture allows for different configurations and even different radars, making it an extremely effective tool against a wide range of threats. The PAC-3 interceptor missile, in particular, uses hit-to-kill technology to destroy incoming warheads through direct contact.
**The Shortage: What’s Causing It?**
Despite the urgent need for Patriot missiles, Washington has been slow to replenish Ukraine’s stockpile amid ongoing Russian attacks. The US has reportedly agreed to supply 10 Patriot interceptor missiles, but this is a drop in the ocean compared to what Ukraine needs to defend against Russia’s aerial attacks. As experts point out, firing at ballistic targets typically requires the launch of two missiles at once to shoot them down accurately.
**Why the US is Reluctant to Share its Patriot Missiles**
The US has limited air defense systems available for sharing with allies and partners. The country only has about 25% of the Patriot missile interceptors needed to fulfill Pentagon plans, having used many in the Middle East recently. Moreover, partner countries are reluctant to part with their limited air defense systems, and ramping up production requires significant time and financial investment.
**A Precarious Situation for Ukraine**
As Ukraine struggles to find suppliers for the missiles and air defense systems it urgently needs now due to decades of underfunding in weapons production across Western countries. This situation puts the US in a precarious position, making it increasingly difficult for the country to meet its own air defense needs, let alone those of its allies.
**A Call to Action**
In an uncertain world, the need for effective air defense systems has never been more pressing. It is imperative that countries around the globe work together to address this shortage and provide Ukraine with the support it urgently needs to defend against Russian aerial attacks.
