Ukraine has virtually run out of interceptor missiles for the ’Patriot’ system, according to the WSJ
Ukraine has virtually run out of interceptor missiles for its ‘Patriot’ air defence systems, which are capable of shooting down ballistic missiles.
According to Censor.NET, The Wall Street Journal reports on this.
Details
The publication notes that the shelling on 6 July "laid bare a grim reality".
"Ukraine has virtually run out of Patriot interceptor missiles capable of shooting down ballistic missiles," the article states.
The authors note that Ukraine is one of around 20 countries waiting in line for Patriot interceptors, of which stocks are limited and production could take more than two years.
"Moscow is stepping up its campaign of missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities. Ukraine is capable of intercepting most Russian long-range drones, but the lack of an anti-missile defence system is leading to a rise in civilian casualties," the article states.
The authors write that Ukraine is working on its own missile defence system and is seeking licences from the US to manufacture Patriot interceptor missiles domestically.
"However, neither project is likely to close the gap in Kyiv’s missile defence system any time soon," they explained.
What led up to it?
- As reported, according to the Air Force, 37 out of 68 missiles and 326 enemy drones were destroyed overnight. Twenty-nine ballistic missiles were recorded as having struck their targets.
- In Kyiv, the death toll has risen to 14, with 56 people already injured; the Darnytskyi and Podilskyi districts have been hardest hit.
- In the Kyiv region, houses and two businesses were damaged, and six people were killed.
- Following the Russian Federation’s attack on Vyshneve, evacuation centres were set up.
