The European Union is actively developing strategies to prevent delays in supplying air defense systems (ADS) to Ukraine due to the escalating situation surrounding Iran. This was reported by European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius, who emphasized the importance of ensuring stable missile supplies to protect Ukraine’s skies.
This is reported by Finway
Challenges in the Global Missile Market and the EU’s Position
According to Kubilius, events in Iran could significantly impact the availability of missiles for air defense systems worldwide. The main reason is the increasing demand for missiles from the armed forces of the USA, Israel, Arab countries, and other states. In particular, the annual production of American Patriot missiles reaches only about 700 units, which greatly limits the possibilities for their rapid transfer to Ukraine.
The EU is currently analyzing how to guarantee stable missile supplies to Ukraine. Andrius Kubilius stated that this week he will begin a “missile tour” visiting European manufacturers to expedite the transfer of necessary weapons. At the same time, he acknowledged that Europe does not produce missiles for Patriot systems, which significantly complicates the issue of rapid supply.
Credit Support and Prospects for Ukraine’s Defense
Kubilius noted that in the near future, the European Commission plans to allocate a loan of 90 billion euros to Ukraine, of which 60 billion is designated for defense needs over the next two years. Part of this funding will be directed towards the procurement of missiles and air defense systems, including from the USA, allowing Ukraine to choose the necessary weapons independently.
“This may not seem like a big difference, but I consider it significant. It allows countries that previously could not provide greater assistance due to budget constraints to contribute support. Now they may be more willing to open their stocks and provide what they have,” Kubilius reported.
However, Hungary is currently blocking the final decision on the loan allocation. The European Commissioner emphasized that from a financial perspective, Ukraine needs to start receiving these funds as early as April. Work is ongoing in Brussels to unblock the loan, and according to Kubilius, EU leaders are confident of a positive outcome.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously emphasized that the Russian Federation used not only cruise missiles but also ballistic missiles during attacks in the winter months. Ukraine received PAC-2 and PAC-3 packages from the USA, but PAC-2 is ineffective against ballistic threats.
According to the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, over four years of large-scale war, Ukraine’s air defense has destroyed more than 140,000 aerial targets, including 86 Kinzhal X-47M2 aeroballistic missiles, 709 Kalibr cruise missiles, 2,459 X-101 cruise missiles, 274 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, and 44,700 Shahed strike drones used in attacks by Russia.
In the summer of 2025, the USA and NATO signed the PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) agreement, which provides for the sending of American weapons to Ukraine funded by European countries under NATO coordination. According to Ukrainian authorities, contributions to the PURL program reached 4.3 billion dollars in 2025, of which nearly 1.5 billion dollars were allocated in December.