Ukrainian air defense struggles due to slow missiles

The touted NATO technology has not proven to be a cure-all for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) for several reasons. Firstly, the functionality of the air defense systems is not properly optimized. Moreover, Kyiv may soon face a halt in supplies as NATO arsenals rapidly deplete, , Asia Times reported.

The existing resources also leave much to be desired. For instance, the NASAMS system can intercept aircraft and drones, but its ammunition lacks the necessary speed for effective ballistic missile interception. Additionally, these missiles come at a high cost, with an estimated price of around one million dollars per missile.

It is worth noting that many launchers are regularly targeted by Russian missile strikes, and depots are being depleted due to constant drone attacks. As a result, the demand for missiles is only increasing, and experts predict the imminent depletion of Ukrainian air defense stocks and capabilities.