Ukraine wants to get licenses to produce missiles for Patriot - Zelenskyy

The Ukrainian defense industry aims to launch its own production of high-tech PAC-3 missiles for the Patriot air defense systems. Obtaining the necessary US licenses will allow Kyiv to independently meet its critical air defense needs and, in the future, provide military assistance to other allies. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made this statement during a press conference in Sweden.

At present, it is impossible to stop russia through diplomatic means alone, so Ukraine is deterring the aggressor with long-range weapons and tough sanctions.

The head of state emphasized that when it comes to intercepting russian ballistic missiles, Ukraine is currently critically dependent on Washington’s decisions, as other European air defense projects are merely a prospect.

"As for anti-ballistics, so far we have no other tools besides the Patriot. We have agreements with France regarding the SAMP/T, but those are our future steps. Today we are talking about the Patriot. Only America manufactures them. We also have good agreements with Germany, again regarding future packages. But we have to live in the present, protect people today, and today and right now—it is the US that manufactures this anti-ballistic system,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

According to the President, Kyiv consistently advocates for the idea of localizing missile defense production and is negotiating with both White House administrations.

"I began this conversation with President Biden and am continuing it with President Trump; I would very much like Ukrainian manufacturers to receive licenses to produce PAC-3. So that we can help other countries that need it. Ukraine has not received a license to produce PAC-3s. I believe that in the future we may receive one, or we will have our own system," the head of state shared his plans.

Amid constant airstrikes, Ukraine is urging its partners to act without delay, as sufficient missile defense capabilities can bring the war to a just conclusion.

"We are earnestly asking our American partners to help us by providing more PAC-3 missiles. Or to grant Ukraine a license so that it can increase production itself and provide assistance to other countries," he stated.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, Zelenskyy wrote a letter to Trump warning that Ukraine is running out of air defense resources.