Iran war burns through more Patriot missiles than Ukraine used in four years

The US-led war with Iran has consumed more Patriot air defence interceptors in less than two weeks than Ukraine has received in four years of fighting Russia, raising concerns about global stockpiles and Kyiv’s future access to the critical system.

Since the conflict with Iran began, Tehran has launched more than 2,100 attack drones and at least 688 ballistic missiles, according to a Bloomberg analysis.

In response, the United States and its allies have fired more than 1,000 PAC-3 Patriot interceptors — the advanced missile used to destroy incoming ballistic threats.

By comparison, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Kyiv has received a total of 600 PAC-3 missiles since Russia’s full-scale invasion four years ago — fewer than the number deployed in the Gulf region over the past 11 days.

The surge in interceptor use has strained global supplies and sparked concern about how quickly stocks can be replenished. For Ukraine, which relies heavily on Patriot systems to defend against Russia’s most advanced missile strikes, the shift in demand could mean tighter controls from allies, including the United States.

Kyiv has typically reserved its Patriot batteries for high-end ballistic and cruise missiles, including hypersonic Kinzhals and Zircons — weapons that Moscow had previously claimed were impossible to intercept. Ukrainian officials have expressed surprise that Gulf states are deploying PAC-3 interceptors against lower-cost drones.

Meanwhile, Germany said on March 10 that it would join several European allies in providing 35 additional interceptors to Ukraine. Europe has assumed the majority of financing for Kyiv’s military support since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House last year.

However, most advanced weapons systems are still procured from the United States under a NATO-backed programme that has drawn more than $4 billion in pledges.

By Sabina Mammadli