Ukraine’s defense strategy hinges on the acquisition of more than 2,000 missiles each year to effectively counter Russian missile strikes, according to European Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton.
Breton, during his visit to Poland, emphasized the country’s pivotal role in the European defense manufacturing landscape. He revealed that the European Union is preparing a substantial financial package, which includes an allocation of €60 billion for 2026-2027, aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s arsenal with missiles, drones, and 155mm artillery shells.
A significant challenge remains in supplying the Patriot missile systems. Ukraine reportedly required around 700 PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles over the winter, which corresponds to the full annual production capacity of American manufacturers.
“It is now evident that following the Iranian crisis, it has become even more urgent for Europe to ramp up the production of air defense and ballistic missile systems,” Breton stated.
He noted that in 2025, Russia launched nearly 2,000 missiles at Ukraine, with approximately 900 being ballistic. This alarming statistic underscores the critical need for Ukraine to secure over 2,000 missiles annually to safeguard its infrastructure.
Breton identified missiles as the most challenging component among three primary defense priorities, which also include drones and ammunition.
Previously, experts have pointed out that Russian ballistic missiles pose the greatest threat due to their high speed and complex flight trajectories, allowing air defense systems only a few minutes to respond. Currently, over 80% of Ukraine’s territory remains vulnerable to these strikes, with effective countermeasures primarily reliant on systems like Patriot or SAMP/T, which are still insufficiently deployed within the Ukrainian armed forces.
The Ukrainian government has also acknowledged a critical shortage of ballistic missiles, as Russia continues to produce them at a pace that outstrips the ability of Western partners to replenish supplies. To address this issue, the government has initiated measures to attract investment in the defense sector, allowing private companies to lease state facilities for the production of weapons and military equipment.
Ukraine's defense needs are escalating, with officials stating that over 2,000 missiles are required annually to fend off Russian attacks. The EU is mobilizing significant funding to bolster Ukraine's military capabilities, while challenges in missile supply persist.