The European Commissioner for Defense issued a warning emphasizing the urgent need for Europe to significantly increase its missile production in response to heightened demand fueled by the US military operations in the Middle East.
This increased pressure on global weapons supply chains underscores the critical importance of Europe meeting its own missile production requirements as well as those of Ukraine.
Andrius Kubilius, speaking from Poland where he has initiated his "Missile Tour", indicated that Ukraine's need for air defense interceptors on the battlefield exceeds the current production capabilities of Western countries.
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Kubilius stated that in 2025, Ukraine experienced close to 2,000 missile assaults, with approximately 900 ballistic missiles directed by Russia. These armaments pose a substantial challenge for interception and necessitate sophisticated air defense mechanisms like the Patriot missile system.
According to Kubilius, the Ukrainian military required approximately 700 Patriot interceptor missiles specifically for the four-month winter season, as multiple interceptors are frequently necessary to eliminate one incoming ballistic missile.
However, the rate of PAC-3 missile production by Lockheed Martin in 2025 was limited to 600. European officials contend that the recent crisis in the Middle East has underscored the risks associated with dependence on external suppliers. During a briefing, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that in the Middle East, over 800 US missiles were deployed in the last three days specifically for the purpose of neutralizing Iranian missiles and drones.
He further mentioned that Ukraine has never possessed such a vast arsenal of missiles for defending against potential attacks. The Ukrainian president consistently calls upon allies to supply PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles required by Ukraine, emphasizing their quick deployment and utilization shortly after acquisition. During the joint press conference with Kubilius, the Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the importance of developing a European defense industry that is more self-reliant in light of the current situation.
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He emphasized the growing importance of autonomy in armaments production within Europe and the need for secure supply chains. He also mentioned that manufacturers in the US may give priority to restocking supplies for American and Gulf state partners. Warsaw has entered into significant agreements for the procurement of military equipment from the United States and is diligently assessing the potential impact of external conflicts on the timely delivery of these acquisitions.
Kubilius stated that Brussels is making efforts to confront the challenge by implementing innovative financial instruments, such as the proposed €90 billion loan intended for Ukraine to ensure its economic stability in the next two years. The majority of the funds from this loan are designated for military expenditures, with a stipulation to give preference to products from Ukrainian and European suppliers. Hungary is currently obstructing the disbursement of the loan that Ukraine is expected to receive starting in April, due to an unresolved energy conflict between the two nations.
One alternative funding option available is the €150 billion defense loan program that has been requested by 19 member states, Poland included. Kubilius's itinerary for his "Missile Tour" includes visits to Italy, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, and Finland following his stop in Poland.