Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • US-Israel-Iran
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • Western Hemisphere
    • NATO
    • China
  • Analysis
    • Policy Papers
    • Symposia
    • Q&A
    • Polls
    • Grand Strategy Explained
    • Target Taiwan
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / Ukraine-Russia / Ukraine’s air defense woes can’t be fixed by American aid
Ukraine‑Russia

May 24, 2024

Ukraine’s air defense woes can’t be fixed by American aid

By Geoff LaMear

Ukraine’s air defenses are succumbing to myriad air threats that cannot be held off, despite the passage of a recent aid bill that provided an additional $61 billion in military aid. Ukraine’s dire military situation cannot be remedied by a blank check, or as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently requested, more Patriot batteries.

The problem is not a resourcing issue, at least not in the short term. The air threats Ukraine faces pose a quantitative overmatch that simply make countering this unachievable.

Ukraine’s air defenses are already facing an untenable situation, one which additional Patriot batteries simply cannot remedy. Ukraine currently possesses just three Patriot batteries, one of which recently lost two launchers to a Russian air attack while convoying.

Read at Defense News

Author

Photo of Geoff Lamear

Geoff
LaMear

Contributing Fellow

Defense Priorities

More on Europe

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Ukraine landmines Ukraine’s ‘turned tide’ doesn’t comport ‘with basic military reality’

Featuring Daniel Davis

July 29, 2026

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Middle East, Russia, Ukraine

Ukraine and Iran Wars Are Merging Into One Big Crisis for Trump in This Sea

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

July 28, 2026

Op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Zelensky’s ‘Freya’ missile defense scheme could backfire. Here’s why.

By Jennifer Kavanagh

July 26, 2026

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

U.S. to make Kyiv’s Magura sea drones for the first time

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

July 23, 2026

Op-edEurope and Eurasia

New prime minister assumes the reins as Britain struggles

By Daniel DePetris

July 21, 2026

Op-edNATO, Alliances, Europe and Eurasia

Bring the Troops Home, Mr. President

By Anthony Constantini

July 16, 2026

Events on Ukraine-Russia

See All Events
virtualUkraine‑Russia, Air power, Diplomacy, Drones, Europe and Eurasia, Land power, Military analysis, Russia, Ukraine

Ukraine’s critical choice: Pursue peace or fight on

April 16, 2025
virtualUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Trump and Ukraine: Prolonging or ending the war

December 13, 2024
virtualNATO, Alliances, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine, Ukraine‑Russia

A ‘bridge’ to NATO or false hope for Ukraine?

July 12, 2024

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • Experts
  • Papers
  • Symposia
  • Q&A
  • Polls
  • Events
  • Media
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Jobs
  • Contact
  • Donate
© 2026 Defense Priorities Foundation. All rights reserved.