EU defense chief urges urgent increase in missile production

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM — European Union Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has warned that Europe must rapidly increase its missile production to meet both its own defense requirements and Ukraine's urgent military needs.

The pressing call comes as the United States' military operations in the Middle East place immense pressure on global weapons supply chains, starkly exposing the risks of Europe's deep reliance on external defense suppliers. Speaking in Poland during the first stop of his planned "Missile Tour," Kubilius emphasized that Ukraine's demand for air defense missiles far exceeds the West's current manufacturing capabilities.

Ukraine's critical winter needs

According to the data shared by Kubilius, Ukraine faced approximately 2,000 missile attacks in 2025 alone, with about 900 of these being ballistic missiles launched by Russia. Because ballistic missiles are significantly more difficult to intercept, there is a critical need for advanced air defense systems like the Patriot.

The Commissioner noted that the Ukrainian military required around 700 Patriot interceptor missiles just for the four-month winter period. However, the annual production of PAC-3 Patriot interceptors, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, stood at only about 600 units in 2025.

Highlighting the severity of the shortage, Kubilius stated, "The Americans will not be able to provide enough missiles for the Gulf countries, their own army, and Ukraine," describing the current situation as "truly critical".

Middle East crisis strains global supply

European officials argue that the recent crisis in the Middle East has once again highlighted the dangers of dependency on foreign defense contractors. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also touched upon this issue on Thursday, revealing that over 800 US-made missiles were used in just three days to shoot down Iranian missiles and drones during Middle Eastern clashes. Reiterating his request for PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles from allies, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine has never possessed such a high volume of air defense missiles at any point.

Calls for European defense independence

Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz echoed these concerns, advocating for a more independent European defense industry. "Independence in weapons production and secure supply chains are becoming increasingly important in Europe," Kosiniak-Kamysz stated, warning that US manufacturers might prioritize their own stockpiles and the needs of Gulf states. Noting that Poland has large military equipment orders from the US, the minister expressed concerns that conflicts in other regions carry the risk of delaying critical deliveries.

EU explores new funding avenues

To combat the production deficit, Kubilius announced that the European Union is actively working on new financing instruments to boost manufacturing capacity. One prominent option is a 90 billion euro loan package designed to secure Ukraine's funding for the next two years, with two-thirds of the funds allocated for military expenditures and purchases from Ukrainian and European manufacturers. However, this loan currently faces a veto from Hungary due to an ongoing energy dispute with Ukraine.

Another alternative being explored is a 150 billion euro defense credit program, which 19 member states are looking to utilize. Following his visit to Poland, Kubilius's "Missile Tour" will continue with high-level stops in Italy, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, and Finland.

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