Against the backdrop of uncertainty about military assistance from the United States, Ukraine and its European allies are looking for alternatives to US air defense systems. One of the key issues is the lack of Patriot missiles, as well as the possibility of their production in Europe. However, even if the United States gives permission to build a new plant in Germany, the first rocket will be released no earlier than 2027. Forbes reports.
After the meeting of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump in the White House, it became clear that Washington could reduce or freeze Kiev military assistance. Germany calls for "strategic independence" of Europe - New Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared the need to ensure security independently without full dependence on the United States. Britain and Norway are expanding the supply of missiles for Ukraine: the United Kingdom allocates $ 2 billion per 5,000 Martlet missiles (Thales, Belfast). The Kongsberg Norwegian company, together with Ukrainian manufacturers, plans to launch NASAMS missiles in Ukraine.
Ukraine is currently a limited Patriot missiles, and stocks can be exhausted as the US does not supply new ammunition. Martlet (range - 5 miles) - effective against drones and small air threats. Nasams (range - 25 miles) - can intercept faster and higher goals. Patriot (60 miles or more) - capable of knocking down planes, ballistic missiles and drones. Therefore, the only real alternative can be SAMP/T (Euro-Patriot), MBDA and Eurosam Thales. What does Ukraine need to switch to SAMP/T? Additional SAMP/T batteries (there are only two in Ukraine now). Hundreds of Aster missiles they use. Expanding production of starting installations and radars. Europe hopes that the US will allow the opening of the Patriot production plant in Germany (joint project Raytheon and MBDA). However, even if approved, the first rocket will be released no earlier than 2027.
According to Forbes, the process of “dean -cutting” the air defense of Ukraine has already begun and will probably accelerate. Ukraine and Europe are forced to create its own production facilities to compensate for the possible shortage of American assistance.
