The U.S. will grant Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors, former President Donald Trump announced during a NATO summit. The decision addresses Ukraine's critical shortage of advanced air defense munitions needed to counter Russian ballistic missile attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed a "political agreement" had been reached, though Trump noted that the primary contractors, RTX and Lockheed Martin, had not yet been formally informed of the plan. This move is expected to bolster Ukraine's long-term defense capabilities.
While the agreement is a major strategic development, establishing domestic production is a complex process that will require significant time for technology transfer and infrastructure development. The timeline for the first interceptors to be produced in Ukraine remains unclear.