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Russia strikes Kyiv; Ukraine warns interceptor shortage.

8/7/2026

41 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Zelenskyy Urges Interceptors

Russia fired 24 ballistic and four anti-ship missiles at Kyiv overnight.
The attack killed at least 17 people, injured nearly 50, and left all missiles unshot.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said interceptor supplies fell threefold in 2026, leaving Kyiv defenseless.
Zelenskyy urged partners to release more interceptors.
PAC-3 interceptors cost $4 million to $5 million each, while a new Patriot battery exceeds $1 billion.

Summary

Trump Flags Shortage

The U.S. has used virtually all ATACMS and PrSM missiles in five-month Iran war.
CSIS says 65% of Patriot interceptors and 38% of THAAD missiles were expended.
Tomahawk missiles are down by under half, prompting Raytheon to seek a production boost.
President Donald Trump said U.S. holds munitions than anyone but admitted types are tight, prompting retired officers to warn shortfall creates a risk for Joint Chiefs in China clash.

History

Historical Context

In January 1991, the U.S. deployed Patriot batteries in the Gulf War, marking the system’s first combat use against Iraqi Scud missiles, though post-war analysis shows only about 40 attempted interceptions and disputed hits. The mixed results led the United States to upgrade Patriot, later fielding PAC-3 interceptors, which underpins today’s strained Patriot, ATACMS and THAAD stocks and Ukraine’s request for PAC-3 missiles.

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Zelenskyy Urges Interceptors

Russia fired 24 ballistic and four anti-ship missiles at Kyiv overnight.
The attack killed at least 17 people, injured nearly 50, and left all missiles unshot.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said interceptor supplies fell threefold in 2026, leaving Kyiv defenseless.
Zelenskyy urged partners to release more interceptors.
PAC-3 interceptors cost $4 million to $5 million each, while a new Patriot battery exceeds $1 billion.

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