Ukraine war briefing: Cut-price Patriot among options in desperate search for missile defence
Talks on Ukraine building Patriots continue despite Trump casting doubt, Reuters reports; forced evacuations in Kramatorsk. What we know on day 1,625
TL;DR
- Ukraine is in discussions to build a lower-cost Patriot interceptor missile, the PAC-3 ACE, potentially with components manufactured in Ukraine and assembled in Germany.
- Despite concerns raised by Donald Trump regarding the transfer of sensitive technology, talks with US arms makers and officials are ongoing.
- Recent Russian bombardments on Ukraine have resulted in civilian deaths, with Ukrainian forces struggling to intercept missiles due to a shortage of interceptors.
- Several Russian oil refineries, including Slavneft-Yanos and Saratov refinery, have been hit by Ukrainian drones, disrupting production and leading to increased Russian imports of fuel.
- Germany has reported a 'new level of danger' after a drone carrying explosives was found at Leipzig airport and a DHL plane was hit by a flying object.
- An assassination attempt targeting Vladimir Tkachuk, head of Russian drone manufacturer Uraldronzavod, resulted in his injury and the death of his bodyguard.
- Ukrainian authorities have ordered the evacuation of hundreds of families with children from Kramatorsk due to intensifying Russian strikes.
- The PAC-3 ACE missile is projected to cost less than half of a standard Patriot missile, with Lockheed Martin suggesting an accelerated development timeline.