Ukraine plans to begin domestic production of Patriot systems by the end of 2026
Ukraine expects to acquire the technical capability to independently manufacture American interceptor missiles for the Patriot air defense systems by the end of 2026. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made this statement during a media briefing at the “Southeast Europe–Ukraine” summit.
The head of state noted that active work is currently underway to secure the necessary production licenses. According to him, the launch of licensed production will allow Ukrainian specialists to independently replenish the ammunition stockpile for these systems, which will significantly strengthen the protection of the country’s airspace.
Negotiations regarding technology transfer and the development of domestic production capabilities are currently in the final stages. It is expected that involving a Ukrainian team in the development of U.S.-style missiles will be an important step in the development of the country’s defense-industrial complex and in ensuring its long-term security.
Source: EP.
The United States has agreed to grant Ukraine a license to manufacture missiles for the Patriot air defense systems. The Kremlin stated that this decision would allegedly complicate the negotiation process, but at the same time assured that it does not consider it an escalation.
Ukraine aims to launch production of missiles for the Patriot systems under a U.S. license as soon as possible. However, according to Reuters, this process may begin not in Ukraine, but in one of the European countries.
