Spain and Greece refuse to hand Ukraine Patriot missiles that are nearing the end of their shelf life

From the Newshound archive · first published 10 October 2026.

Greece holds more than 200 PAC-2 interceptor missiles that have been in service for approximately 23 years, yet Athens is refusing to transfer them to Ukraine despite NATO and EU pressure to do so. Kyiv says it needs between 300 and 360 Patriot interceptors to survive Russia's winter campaign, which Ukrainian officials warn could deploy up to a thousand missiles, drones and bombs against power stations and nuclear plant infrastructure.

Greece's PAC-2 stockpile is approaching its manufacturer-guaranteed lifespan, but officials say the missiles could still be operationally usable.

Russia's alleged winter plan targets electrical substations, hydroelectric and thermal plants, and Ukraine's three nuclear power stations.