Zelensky floats swapping Patriot missiles for interceptor drones amid increased Iranian Shahed threat

President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed a potential exchange with the United States: U.S.-made Patriot interceptor missiles for Ukrainian-made interceptor drones, as Iran intensifies Shahed drone attacks in the Middle East.

Ukraine is facing a serious shortage of PAC-3 missiles, which are used by MIM-104 Patriot systems to intercept ballistic threats. At the same time, U.S. forces and their regional allies have recently come under heavy Shahed drone bombardment following U.S.-Israeli strikes. Ukraine, which has spent years defending against similar attacks from Russia, has developed and deployed interceptor drones specifically designed to counter Shaheds.

“Of course, this is everyone’s number one question — how to protect the sky,” Zelensky said during a briefing with journalists. He noted that while the U.S. and partner countries maintain stockpiles of Patriot missiles, those systems are not designed to efficiently counter large waves of relatively inexpensive drones.

“If they give them to us, we will give them interceptors. It is an equal exchange,” Zelensky said.

Ukraine’s shortage of air defense missiles has at times left some systems without ammunition, including in early February, according to Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat. The proposal underscores Kyiv’s push to leverage its battlefield experience in drone warfare amid evolving regional threats.

Over 70% of Russian attack drones in Kyiv downed by interceptor drones in February

More than 70% of Russian Shahed-type attack drones targeting Kyiv and surrounding areas in February were shot down using interceptor drones, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said.

Speaking after a meeting focused on so-called “small air defense,” Syrskyi said interceptor UAVs are playing an increasingly important role in countering Shahed drones. Officials reviewed the effectiveness of the first three layers of the drone interception system and discussed projects aimed at strengthening regional anti-drone protection. Upgrades to army aviation helicopters and improved defenses for key administrative centers were also addressed.

Despite worsening weather and limited strike capabilities, Syrskyi said performance did not decline in February. Interceptor drones carried out about 6,300 sorties last month, destroying more than 1,500 Russian UAVs of various types.

He added that Ukraine is adapting to a new Russian tactic of flying Shahed drones at extremely low altitudes. Cooperation with manufacturers continues to improve interceptor drone models, train crews, and equip air defense units. New tasks were assigned to military authorities following the meeting.

Zelensky warns that the Middle East war could strain Ukraine air defense supplies

The escalating conflict between the United States and Iran could eventually affect missile supplies for Ukraine’s air defenses if the fighting drags on, Ukrainian officials and analysts warn.

As the U.S. and Israel carried out coordinated strikes on Iran and Tehran responded with attacks on Israel and U.S. military bases, concerns emerged in Kyiv about potential strain on Patriot interceptor stocks. Ukraine relies heavily on the U.S.-made MIM-104 Patriot system, which is also deployed by American forces in the Middle East.

On March 2, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that while the issue is being closely watched, there has so far been no indication from the U.S. or European partners of an imminent shortage of PAC-3 interceptors. “Everyone understands that the right weapons are our lifeline,” he said.

Ukraine has previously experienced temporary shortages of air defense missiles, including in early February, according to Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat. Zelensky noted that the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program—agreed upon between the U.S. and NATO last July—remains in effect, allowing allies to procure critical equipment for Ukraine.

Still, Zelenskyy acknowledged that a prolonged and intense conflict in the Middle East could ultimately impact the volume of air defense systems available to Kyiv.