NATO presses Spain, Greece to send Ukraine Patriot missiles nearing expiration - Telegraph

Both countries hold some of Europe's largest stocks of Patriot missiles. Greece is believed to have at least 200 PAC-2 interceptors approaching the end of their 23-year shelf life, while the size of Spain's stockpile remains unclear.

Madrid announced last month that it would donate five Patriot interceptors to Ukraine.

According to The Telegraph, NATO and EU officials have been trying to persuade both governments to release more missiles, although those involved in the discussions have avoided publicly naming the countries to prevent diplomatic friction.

"We know that some of the countries have interceptors that will expire soon. So it would be very good if those would be given to Ukraine," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said during talks in Ireland in September.

One diplomatic source told The Telegraph that the approach was to ask Spain and Greece how allies could help them make the decision.

The urgency comes as Ukraine braces for a possible Russian winter campaign targeting electrical substations, power plants, and infrastructure linked to its three operating nuclear power plants.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine needs between 300 and 360 additional Patriot interceptors to withstand the expected attacks.

Can expired Patriot missiles still be used?

Patriot interceptors have a shelf life during which their manufacturer guarantees they will function as intended. For the missiles in question, that period is 23 years.

Fabian Hoffmann, a missile expert at the University of Oslo, explained that missiles reaching the end of their shelf life can undergo recertification, during which components such as batteries and rocket motors are replaced and other systems inspected.

"Of course, missiles could still work beyond their expiration date, it's just you can't blame the manufacturer if they end up failing," he told The Telegraph.

Ukraine currently receives most of its Patriot interceptors through a NATO-led program funded by European allies, but the war in Iran has strained global supplies.

According to The Telegraph, the United States and its allies may have used at least 800 Patriot interceptors during the opening days of the conflict, further complicating efforts to replenish Ukraine's air defenses.

The newspaper said it had contacted the Greek and Spanish defense ministries for comment.