The United States has only 25% of the Patriot missile interceptors needed to meet Pentagon operational plans, according to multiple U.S. officials cited by The Guardian.
The news outlet reported that the shortfall was the key reason the Trump administration halted shipments of Patriot missile defense systems and other weapons to Ukraine which includes Sparrows, Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems and anti-tank weapons.
According to the tracker managed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency, stockpiles of several critical munitions have fallen below required levels for years, a trend that began after the Biden administration started sending military aid to Ukraine.
The shortage was worsened by recent U.S. operations in the Middle East, including the launch of about 30 Patriot missiles in response to Iranian strikes on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, according to The Guardian.
Days after report of the halted shipments surfaced, the White House confirmed the pause but downplayed concerns about U.S. stockpiles. “This decision was made to put America’s interests first. The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned — just ask Iran,” said White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly.
President Donald Trump later said that the U.S. would send “some more weapons” to Ukraine, though he did not specify which systems. “We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to. They have to be able to defend themselves,” Trump told reporters during a White House event with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.
Pressed for further details, Kelly said Trump had instructed the Pentagon to resume certain weapons shipments to Ukraine. However, no confirmation has been given on whether Patriots will be included.
“As Operation Midnight Hammer proved, the American military is stronger than it’s ever been. President Trump wants to stop the killing and has pledged to provide Ukraine with additional defensive munitions,” said Kelly.
According to Axios, during a phone call on Friday, Trump promised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy 10 Patriot interceptors, fewer than originally planned in the paused shipment.
