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Ukraine's defense against Russian ballistic missiles hinges on Patriot missile systems, but the U.S. production capacity is limited to 550 PAC-3 MSE interceptors annually, with plans to increase to 2,000 over 6-7 years. Meanwhile, Russia produces 60 to 70 Iskander missiles monthly.

Compounding issues arise from ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Taiwan, causing global demand for Patriots to surge, with Germany depleting its stocks. The U.S. has drawn down its weapons stockpiles significantly to support various conflicts, and the urgency to boost production is increasing as the Pentagon faces challenges in maintaining adequate missile defense capabilities.