The U.S. will not be able to finalize a deal on the production of missiles for the Patriot system by winter
A potential agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine on the joint production of interceptors for the Patriot air defense systems will likely not be finalized before the start of winter. This was stated by U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker.
Whitaker said that Washington is currently exploring opportunities for joint production with Ukraine and European partners of interceptors for the Patriot air defense systems in order to expand the defense industrial base.
“There are opportunities for joint production that we can pursue with the Ukrainians and Europeans to expand the industrial base and support the defense of Ukraine and Europe,” he said.
According to the U.S. Ambassador to NATO, negotiations on such agreements are ongoing, particularly following meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Turkey, subsequent talks in Kyiv, and contacts with companies that possess the necessary technologies.
At the same time, the American diplomat emphasized that the top priority right now is to provide Ukraine with air defense systems as quickly as possible ahead of winter.
“The most important thing right now is to deliver the air defense systems Ukraine needs to survive another winter as quickly as possible—whether from allies who have surplus missiles or by increasing production at our own factories,” he said.
However, Vitaker noted that an agreement on the production of Patriot interceptors will not be ready by this winter.
“A long-term production agreement will not be concluded by this winter. Therefore, we will continue to work on this,” he said.
He made these remarks during an appearance on Fox News.
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