Rubio: US is negotiating with Ukraine over licenses to produce Patriot missiles

The United States is discussing with Ukraine whether Kyiv could receive licenses to manufacture missiles for Patriot air-defense systems, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on The Brian Kilmeade Show.

Rubio cautioned that the idea would not solve Ukraine's urgent needs. Even if Washington granted a license, producing such advanced weapons and building the necessary factories could take several years.

"This is precisely what is being considered now. And, as I already said, this is not an immediate solution," Rubio said. "Increasing production capacity, even if there is a license, means that building factories takes several years. This is high-tech weaponry."

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This is precisely what is being considered now. And, as I already said, this is not an immediate solution. Increasing production capacity, even if there is a license, means that building factories takes several years. This is high-tech weaponry. So, this issue is currently being considered, it could be implemented, but it really will not solve the short-term problem they are talking about.

He added that the proposal could be implemented, but would not address the short-term problem Ukraine is raising.

Rubio also addressed Kyiv's offer to help US partners with Ukrainian drone technology, citing Ukraine's achievements in its war with Russia. He said the United States was considering possible agreements and remained open to cooperation that could strengthen its own defenses. He stressed again that such projects would be long term and would not produce results immediately.

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If there is an agreement that makes sense for the United States, I think we make and consider such agreements, and all of them are currently being developed.