Trump Vows to License Patriot Missile Production to Ukraine
Former US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he would grant Ukraine a license to produce Patriot interceptor missiles, a move aimed at bolstering Kyiv's defences against Russian ballistic missile attacks.
Speaking at a campaign event, Trump said, 'We are gonna give you a licence to make Patriots. I think they can produce them very quickly once we explain it.' He added that he had not yet informed defence manufacturers Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, but expressed confidence that the arrangement would proceed smoothly.
The Patriot system is widely regarded as one of the world's most effective air defence systems, designed to detect and intercept incoming missiles. However, it is also among the most expensive, with a single battery costing approximately $1 billion. Production is limited to about 600 missiles per year, according to the US Department of Defence.
Ukraine has faced intensified ballistic missile strikes from Russia in recent months, resulting in numerous casualties in Kyiv and other cities. The proposed license could enable Ukraine to produce its own Patriots, reducing reliance on US stockpiles, which have been strained by prior conflicts.
Trump's statement comes amid ongoing debates over military aid to Ukraine, with some US allies urging increased support. The feasibility and timeline of the proposal remain unclear, as it would require approval from Congress and coordination with defence contractors.
