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Associated Press: U.S. forces in Europe do not have enough Patriots to stop a sustained Russian ballistic attack, and ‘very limited’ ability to stop even a single strike

Source: Associated Press

The U.S. military is facing a “beyond critical” shortage of Patriot missiles in Europe, a U.S. defense official in Europe and a NATO official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The shortage, they said, stems largely from the war in the Middle East.

The shortfall is raising concerns about how vulnerable NATO countries would be to a potential Russian attack. A U.S. defense official in Europe said a Russian ballistic missile strike on a military headquarters or power plant could leave NATO as Patriot-starved as Ukraine.

American forces “definitely” lack enough Patriots to repel a sustained ballistic attack, the U.S. official said. Even their ability to stop a single ballistic strike or a stray Russian missile that goes off course is “very limited.”

In February, a European intelligence official said Russia would not be able to enter into open conflict with the alliance this year or next. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said in June 2025 that Moscow would be ready to strike within five years.

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