Interruptions in defense aid from the West may cause a shortage of ammunition for air defense systems in service with Ukraine as early as March.
Ukraine may soon face a shortage of ammunition for air defense
It is noted that delays in funding and arms deliveries by Western countries may lead to a significant shortage of Ukrainian anti-aircraft missiles. This, in turn, will allow Russian troops to more aggressively bomb Ukrainian troops or even front-line cities.
In an article dated February 9, The New York Times reported that, according to American officials, without replenishment with Western aid, Ukraine's stockpile of anti-aircraft missiles will run out in March 2024.
Ukrainian officials recently warned that Ukraine is facing a "critical shortage" of air defense missiles as delays in Western aid continue to force Ukraine to stockpile assets.
Russian forces regularly pressure the limited air defense system in the rear areas of Ukraine, striking with Russian missiles and drones, combined with Iranian and North Korean weapons. In this way, the Russian Federation is trying to force Ukrainian troops to spend air defense missiles, as well as redeploy air defense systems away from the front line, the report says.
Experts of the Institute suggest that the critical shortage of Ukrainian anti-aircraft missiles may allow Russian forces to use closer to the current contact line in Ukraine and beyond its borders on a larger scale, especially manned aircraft, which, as a rule, carry a heavier payload.
What is the situation with air defense in Ukraine
NYT wrote that, according to the estimates of American officials, without the replenishment of air defense equipment, Ukraine will have enough of them only until next month. Western officials and military experts warn that without the help of the United States, a cascade collapse on the front is quite possible already this year.
At the same time, Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder reassured at a press conference that the US will continue to supply weapons for air defense. There are a number of already contracted capabilities under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), including the supply of air defenses.
