Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that air defence could increase if the war in Iran and broader Middle East tensions continue for an extended period, potentially affecting the supply of US missile defence systems.
In comments to CNN, Zelensky said Ukraine has so far received limited quantities of air defence systems due to constrained US production capacity, though deliveries and intelligence sharing have not been interrupted.
The Ukrainian leader noted that the air defence remains tied to global demand for advanced missile defence systems, particularly Patriot interceptors.
He explained that Ukraine currently relies on the US-led PURL programme, which allows NATO countries to finance weapons purchases for Kyiv.
According to Zelensky, this mechanism enables Ukraine to acquire critical anti-ballistic missiles, which remain essential for defending against ongoing attacks.
Middle East conflict adds pressure
Zelensky warned that escalating or prolonged conflict in the Middle East could place additional pressure on global defence supply chains, further increasing Ukraine’s air defence.
He stressed that US production capacity is limited and prioritisation of other conflict zones could affect the speed and volume of deliveries to Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president also highlighted that Ukraine is sharing battlefield experience gained during its war with Russia, particularly in countering Iranian-made drones.
He said Ukraine has signed cooperation agreements with countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to share expertise on air defence and drone warfare.
This includes training missions and technical knowledge transfer based on Ukraine’s wartime experience.
Ongoing security challenges
Despite continued support, air defence risk remains a central concern for Kyiv as it balances battlefield needs with global supply limitations.
Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine will continue to cooperate with international partners while seeking additional support to strengthen its air defence capabilities.
Also read: Israel alleges Iran-linked drone smuggling network via Cyprus
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