Amber GerardUkraine has renewed its call for more air defence systems as NATO leaders gather for their latest summit, arguing that stronger protection is urgently needed after another wave of Russian missile and drone attacks.
The appeal comes as allies discuss military support, defence spending, and long-term security commitments for Kyiv.
Ukraine Pushes for Faster Air Defence Support
As the NATO summit opened in Ankara, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy placed air defence at the top of his agenda. His government says the country’s existing systems continue to intercept many incoming missiles and drones, but repeated large-scale attacks show that more batteries and interceptors are still needed.
Kyiv has repeatedly asked its partners to speed up deliveries of advanced air defence systems, particularly the Patriot system, which is designed to defend against ballistic missiles. Ukrainian officials argue that additional equipment would help protect cities, power infrastructure, hospitals, and civilians as Russia continues its aerial campaign.
Fresh Russian Attacks Increase Pressure
Ukraine’s latest request follows another series of Russian strikes across the country. According to Ukrainian officials, missiles and drones targeted several regions, including Kyiv, Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia.
Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting a large number of drones, but several missiles still reached their targets, causing deaths, injuries and damage to civilian infrastructure. The attacks reinforced Kyiv’s position that current air defence resources remain under heavy pressure despite continued international support.
Military analysts have long noted that defending against constant missile and drone attacks requires both launch systems and a steady supply of interceptor missiles. Without enough interceptors, even advanced systems become less effective over time.
NATO Members Discuss Long-Term Military Support
Support for Ukraine remains one of the central topics at this year’s NATO summit. Leaders are discussing military assistance, defence production, industrial cooperation and future security commitments.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said allies remain committed to helping Ukraine defend itself while also increasing defence investment across the alliance. NATO members also announced new defence industry initiatives aimed at expanding weapons production and improving military readiness.
Alliance officials have continued to describe Ukraine’s security as closely linked to European security, making ongoing military assistance a strategic priority rather than only humanitarian support.
Patriot Systems Remain a Key Priority
Among Ukraine’s requests, Patriot air defence systems continue to receive the most attention.
The Patriot system has become one of Ukraine’s most valuable defensive assets because it can intercept advanced ballistic missiles that are difficult for many other systems to stop. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly said that additional Patriot batteries would significantly strengthen the country’s defensive network.
Several NATO countries have already contributed Patriot equipment or interceptor missiles since Russia’s full-scale invasion, but supplies remain limited because many nations also depend on the system for their own national defence.
Trump Announces Patriot Production License
One of the biggest announcements during the summit came from U.S. President Donald Trump, who said the United States would grant Ukraine a licence to manufacture Patriot air defence systems.
The proposal could eventually allow Ukraine to expand domestic production of important defensive equipment, although officials have not yet released detailed information about timelines or production capacity.
Industry experts caution that manufacturing sophisticated air defence technology is a lengthy process involving complex supply chains and international cooperation. Even if approved, domestic production would not provide an immediate solution to Ukraine’s current battlefield needs.
Defense Spending Remains High on NATO’s Agenda
Alongside Ukraine, NATO leaders are also focusing on broader defence investment.
European allies have significantly increased military spending since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Several governments are investing in missile defence, ammunition production, drones and modern military equipment while expanding cooperation with defence manufacturers.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Europe has strengthened its contribution to NATO and is taking greater responsibility for regional security. He also highlighted growing investment in defence industries across the continent.
Ukraine Continues to Seek NATO Membership
While immediate military assistance remains Kyiv’s highest priority, Ukraine continues to push for eventual NATO membership.
President Zelenskyy has argued that Ukraine already operates one of Europe’s most experienced armed forces after years of defending itself against Russian aggression. He says closer integration with NATO would strengthen security for both Ukraine and the alliance.
Although NATO continues to support Ukraine politically and militarily, no formal timetable for membership has been announced. Instead, allies remain focused on helping Ukraine strengthen its military capabilities while the war continues.
Air Defence Shortages Remain a Global Challenge
Supplying advanced air defence systems has become increasingly difficult because demand has grown worldwide.
Military experts note that Patriot batteries require years to manufacture, while interceptor missiles are also produced in limited quantities. Several governments must balance support for Ukraine with maintaining their own defence readiness.
NATO officials have acknowledged these supply challenges but continue to work with member states and defence companies to accelerate production wherever possible.
Defence Industry Expansion Becomes a Major Focus
The summit has also highlighted the growing importance of defence manufacturing.
NATO leaders announced new initiatives designed to increase production capacity for missiles, drones and other military equipment. The alliance says expanding industrial output will help meet both current operational needs and future security requirements.
Officials also confirmed major procurement commitments involving governments and defence companies, reflecting NATO’s effort to reduce shortages across member states while continuing support for Ukraine.
What Ukraine Hopes to Achieve
Ukraine’s immediate objective remains straightforward: obtain more air defence systems as quickly as possible.
Officials say additional Patriot batteries, interceptor missiles, drones and ammunition would strengthen the country’s ability to protect civilians and critical infrastructure during continued Russian attacks.
Kyiv also hopes NATO partners will maintain long-term financial and military assistance while expanding cooperation with Ukraine’s own defence industry. Those efforts are expected to remain central topics throughout the summit as leaders continue discussions on Europe’s security and the future of support for Ukraine.
