Ukraine Pushes to Begin Domestic Patriot Missile Production After US Approval

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for immediate action to begin domestic production of Patriot interceptor missiles after the United States agreed to grant Ukraine the necessary manufacturing licences.

Speaking after the NATO summit in Ankara, Türkiye, Zelenskyy said he secured political approval from US President Donald Trump during their meeting and urged government agencies to quickly complete the technical and legal processes required to launch production.

The move comes as Ukraine faces a growing shortage of Patriot missiles, which are critical for defending against Russian ballistic missile attacks. Existing supplies from Western allies have struggled to keep pace with Ukraine's defence needs.

Trump confirmed that Washington would allow Ukraine to manufacture the US-made Patriot system under licence, saying the decision would help Kyiv meet its air defence demands without relying solely on foreign deliveries.

Zelenskyy described the agreement as a major breakthrough, adding that Ukraine would soon receive another package of military assistance from the United States, including additional PAC-3 interceptor missiles.

However, Ukrainian defence experts cautioned that setting up production will take time. Adviser Serhii Beskrestnov said the process involves technology transfer, specialist training, supplier coordination and factory preparation, with some components requiring 12 to 24 months to produce.

Despite the expected delays, Ukrainian officials believe local production will strengthen the country's long-term air defence capabilities and reduce dependence on overseas supplies as the war with Russia continues.

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