Europe must urgently ramp up missile production to meet its own defense needs and support Ukraine, warned the European Commissioner for Defence. Growing pressure on global weapons supply chains, exacerbated by Middle East conflicts, highlights critical manufacturing capacity gaps.
Ukraine's battlefield requirements, particularly for air defense interceptors like the Patriot missile system, far exceed current Western production levels. For instance, Ukraine needed approximately 700 Patriot interceptor missiles during a recent four-month winter season, while manufacturer Lockheed Martin's PAC-3 missile production stood at 600 units in 2025. This shortfall means allies cannot adequately supply Ukraine, the US military, and Gulf countries simultaneously.
The situation is deemed critical, necessitating rapid development of European missile production. The vulnerability of relying on external suppliers has been starkly exposed by recent crises. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted over 800 US missiles were used in the Middle East in just three days to counter drone and missile attacks. He emphasized that Ukraine's access to such critical munitions is limited.
Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz underscored the importance of an independent European defense industry and secure supply chains, noting that US manufacturers may prioritize replenishing American and Gulf state inventories. Warsaw is closely monitoring potential delivery delays due to ongoing conflicts.
To address these challenges, Brussels is exploring new financing tools. A proposed €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine includes a significant allocation for military spending, prioritizing Ukrainian and European manufacturers. Additionally, a €150 billion defense loan scheme is available for member states. The Commissioner's "Missile Tour" will continue through Italy, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, and Finland to rally support for increased production.