US Suspends Ukraine Patriot Missile Transfers Amid 75% Stockpile Shortfall

The United States currently has only about 25% of the Patriot missile interceptors required to meet Pentagon military plans, a shortage that prompted the Trump administration to temporarily pause the delivery of these weapons to Ukraine. This depletion resulted from heavy use of Patriot interceptors in recent Middle East operations, including the defense of Al Udeid Air Base against Iranian missile attacks, which constituted the largest single volley of Patriot missiles in U.S. history. Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg authorized the freeze to review the distribution of weapons amid concerns that low stockpiles could jeopardize U.S. military readiness. Despite this pause, President Trump has indicated intentions to send more weapons to Ukraine, though it remains unclear if this includes Patriot systems. The Pentagon maintains that its forces remain fully equipped and ready, emphasizing that assessments of stockpiles reflect responsible planning rather than a shortfall. Ukrainian officials continue to urgently request additional interceptors as Russia escalates airstrikes, while U.S. supply prioritization has caused delays in new orders and deliveries to Ukraine.