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AP: As the US shifts missiles towards Iran, officials raise concerns of gaps in European air defenses
The U.S. shifted Patriot missile systems from Europe to counter Iranian threats, creating gaps in European air defenses and risking reduced support for Ukraine, officials said.
- On March 21, 2026, U.S. defense officials told The Associated Press that a sizable number of Patriot air-defense missiles were moved from Europe toward the Middle East, leaving gaps in Europe's air defenses against Russia.
- The war in Iran, now about to enter its fourth week, has prompted U.S. troop deployments and a Pentagon request for $200 billion as Iran fires missiles and drones across the Gulf.
- An official noted that stocks of Patriot missiles are 'absolutely' dwindling in Europe and elsewhere, while Merops anti-drone systems are being used as a supplement, with more en route.
- Allied officials say the redeployments leave European countries near Russia vulnerable to incursions as Ukraine faces Patriot shortages, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warning Kyiv will "definitely" experience shortfalls in the near future.
- NATO reports that defenses intercepted three missiles from Iran over Turkey and moved Patriot systems from Ramstein air base to Incirlik Air Base and Malatya province; limited Merops systems are deployed with more coming, but officials warn shortfalls may occur in the near future.
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Associated Press News+17 Reposted by 17 other sources
AP exclusive: As the US shifts missiles towards Iran, officials raise concerns of gaps in European air defenses
U.S. defense officials have told The Associated Press that a sizable number of Patriot air defense interceptor missiles have moved from Europe towards the Middle East.
·United States
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General Roland Kather analyses the consequences of the EU summit on Ukraine. Financial bottlenecks and the lack of arms supplies exacerbate the situation. "The people in Ukraine are suffering.
·Dortmund, Germany
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A considerable number of U.S. Patriot missiles have been moved from Europe to the Middle East, while Washington diverts resources into its war against Iran, leaving worrying gaps in European air defences vis-à-vis Russia, U.S. defense officials told The Associated Press.
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Total News Sources22
Leaning Left14Leaning Right3Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution70% Left
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources lean Left
70% Left
L 70%
15%
15%
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