Insufficient Production of Patriot Missiles on a Global Scale

In response to the global situation, defense missiles have become a highly sought-after commodity, with demand increasing around the world. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been urging the West to supply more Patriot anti-aircraft systems and missiles to Ukraine. The country is currently facing intense shelling by the Russians, making the need for air defense systems even more urgent.

The Patriot system is known for its effectiveness in defending against enemy ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft. It serves both to protect Ukrainian cities and troops from threats in the air. A Patriot fire unit consists of a radar, fire control center, and mobile launch stations that fire the defense missiles.

Ukraine currently has three Patriot systems, and Germany recently announced that it would supply the country with another battery. However, the number of existing systems is limited, and there is a significant demand for Patriot defense missiles globally. To address this, production of Patriot missiles is being ramped up, with new facilities being built in the USA and Europe.

Switzerland is also introducing the Patriot system, with plans to purchase several fire units and defense missiles. The introduction of Patriot systems in Switzerland is expected to begin in 2026 and be fully operational by 2031. In addition to the Patriots, Ukraine also has S-300 surface-to-air missiles and German Iris-T anti-aircraft systems to help defend against Russian attacks.

With the current geopolitical situation and increasing demand for defense missiles worldwide, countries are working to increase their arsenals and production capacities to meet the growing need for air defense systems. As such, Patriot missiles are being produced at higher rates to support countries like Ukraine in their defense against threats from the air.