Trump Casts Doubt on Allowing Ukraine to Produce Missiles for the Patriot System — FT
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington has not yet made a final decision on granting Ukraine a license to manufacture interceptor missiles for the Patriot systems. This statement has cast doubt on one of Kyiv’s key defense plans to boost its own production of air defense systems.
In an interview with the Financial Times, the U.S. president said he could not yet confirm Washington’s willingness to allow Ukraine to manufacture interceptor missiles for Patriot systems.
“I’m not sure. We’re looking into it,” Trump said.
He also explained that the United States is cautious about granting licenses for the production of such weapons.
“This is a very unusual weapon, and… we need to be a little cautious about whom we grant licenses to. We don’t actually license the equipment,” the U.S. president added.
As a reminder, during his visit to the U.S., Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with executives from the American defense contractor Lockheed Martin. The parties discussed joint weapons production, technology exchange, and strengthening Ukraine’s air defense system.
The American defense company 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.
