Which would mean for Ukraine a substantial consolidation of anti -aircraft defense. Would the shahed drone swarms be kept away?

While Russia intensifies its rocket and drone attacks, Ukraine is waiting to strengthen its anti -aircraft defense with new Patriot batteries and ammunition for Gepard anti -aircraft systems.

Ukraine recently received new Gepard Photo Archive systems

At the last meeting of the Ramstein format, a new military support was announced consisting of five Patriot batteries, respectively 220,000 howitzers for Gepard cannons, BBC reported, quoted by Euromaidan Press.

This commitment marks a significant upgradation of the Ukraine's stratified aerial defense network, but the question arises: Is it possible for these weapons to tilt the balance in the conditions in which Russia launches daily shahed drones on the Ukrainian cities?

According to the BBC analysis, the pace of supply with these anti -aircraft defense systems will be essential, and this for the humorous reasons.

The time factor is important

Several Patriot batteries, Ukraine's main defense system against ballistic and cruise missiles, would substantially expand the current shield, but the pace at which they will be made available to the country. According to New York Times, Ukraine currently has eight Patriot batteries of which only six were operational in May 2025. This number could increase to 13 with the five new batteries promised to Ukraine.

Such a system is composed of:

• Rocket launchers
• Radar
• The control unit
• PAC-3 interceptors, capable of combating advanced ballistic threats.

But the delivery times are not clear at all. The German publication Spiegel wrote that the first new system may not arrive before March 2026. President Volodimr Zelenski said 25 Patriot batteries are needed to cover the whole country, which means that these deliveries would be insufficient to achieve this goal.

To these uncertainties are also added the PAC-3 missile shortage, supporting concerns about the supply of new systems once they arrive in Ukraine.

Importance of defensive weapons with short -range

Gepard anti-aircraft cannons have proven to be essential for shahed drones and low altitude rockets. The country operates about 100 Gepard systems, each of which is equipped with 35 mm double cannons and radar.

At a calculation, it turns out that a new delivery of 220,000 howitzers will allow three complete recharges.

The availability of this ammunition had become a problem after Switzerland blocked re -exports, invoking neutrality. But the company A Rheinmetall from Germany jumped to aid restarting production to compensate for the deficit.

Military analysts estimate that a Shahed drone can be shot down with between 7-30 projectiles, which means that this lot could neutralize thousands of drones – a crucial improvement, given the almost daily attacks of Russia with hundreds of drones.

Russia continually changes its attack tactics

Another aspect of the problem is that Russia's air tactics are constantly evolving. Drones are now flying either extremely low or at high altitudes to avoid detecting, permanently tested the defense of Ukraine.

As for the Kiev's response this could respond effectively with a stratified air defense approach:

Patriotic systems against long -range rockets.

Gepard systems against drones and short -beaten threats.

Mobile Air Defense and Electronic War to fill the breaches.

Even if Ukraine receives 13 patriotic systems, it cannot cover its entire air space. However, taken together, these weapons are particularly useful for more efficient protection of cities, infrastructure and military sites.

In conclusion, deliveries are essential, but most likely they will not be enough.

One such package – five Patriot batteries and 220,000 Gepard howitzers – are one of the most important promises so far, with great potential to substantially increase the defense capacity. On the other hand, possible delays in terms of delivery and limited rocket stocks could greatly decrease their impact.

Ukraine has a plan prepared for defense and is waiting for only the necessary means that theoretically are on the road. But the result will depend on how quickly the systems will be delivered, how well they are supplied – and on continuing support as the threat from Russia knows evolutions.