Production of Patriot missiles in Ukraine could begin in 5 years — Reuters

Ukraine is in talks with the Pentagon to obtain a license to manufacture PAC-3 interceptor missiles for the Patriot air defense systems. At the same time, it could take between one and five years to establish the necessary production capacity.

Key Details of the Negotiation Process and Cooperation

Representatives from Raytheon Co. have already visited Ukraine. Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin Corp., which manufactures the PAC-3 interceptors themselves, is currently preparing its own team of experts to visit the country.

Stefanishyna said that Kyiv is considering not only localizing production but also purchasing PAC-3 missiles for the long term, with the possibility of subsequently exchanging them with other buyer nations.

Despite hopes that the war will end thanks to a new diplomatic push, Ukraine urgently needs new missile defense systems today, Stefanishyna stated.

“The devastating impact of every nightly attack is now unimaginable,” Olga Stefanishyna emphasized, highlighting the critical importance of urgently strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses.

According to Reuters, this was stated by Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S., Olga Stefanishyna.
 

The U.S. has signed a contract worth nearly $60 billion to produce missiles for the Patriot system — Reuters

As a reminder, during his visit to the U.S., Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with executives from the American defense company Lockheed Martin. The parties discussed joint weapons production, technology exchange, and the strengthening of Ukraine’s air defense system.

The American defense contractor Lockheed Martin announced the development of a new, more affordable interceptor for the Patriot air defense systems. In this way, the U.S. military is seeking cheaper ways to combat drones and missiles.

Zelenskyy convinced Washington that Ukraine can win.