Ukraine has 500 Patriot missiles on order, but Russia's winter offensive exposes a critical gap

Stockpiles of air defense missiles are being depleted faster than they can be replenished during international conflicts. Ukraine's reliance on advanced interceptors has surged as Russia increases missile attacks on its infrastructure. Although the United States has approved a possible sale of 500 PAC-3 MSE interceptors to Ukraine, production limits hinder timely delivery. Manufacturing constraints and competing demands from allied nations complicate the situation further.