The series of Russian strikes on Ukraine on March 6-7 involved significantly more ballistic missiles than Russia typically uses in its attacks. Analysts have noted this nuance Institute for the Study of War, noting that Russia is likely trying to exploit the shortage of Patriot missiles in Ukraine amid the conflict in the Middle East.
They note that about half of the missiles in the night strike were ballistic. Analysts note that Russia rarely launches more than 10 ballistic missiles in a single strike package, launching either only a few or none at all.
"Russia sometimes launches a larger number of ballistic missiles, but rarely do ballistic missiles constitute such a high proportion of the total number of missiles," — the report emphasizes.
As noted by ISW, Ukraine still relies heavily on American Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to intercept Russian ballistic missiles.
In turn, Russia is likely trying to take advantage of ongoing public discussions about reducing the stockpile of PAC-3 interceptors for Patriot systems in Ukraine, as well as the intensive use of Patriot interceptors by the United States and the Persian Gulf countries in the Middle East to protect against Iranian attacks.
“Russia is likely trying to further deplete Ukraine’s limited supply of Patriot interceptors, hoping that the United States will be unwilling or unable to provide more interceptors as the US-Israeli campaign in the Middle East continues,” — ISW warns.
