Trump offers Ukraine license to produce Patriot missiles, surprising allies

At a NATO summit in Ankara, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his country's urgent need for advanced air defense, specifically requesting more Patriot PAC-3 missile systems to combat Russian ballistic missiles. Zelenskyy has frequently highlighted the inadequacy of current supplies.

In an unexpected turn, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed Zelenskyy, proposing a significant shift in policy: "One of the things we will discuss is that we will give you a license to create Patriots." Trump suggested this would resolve complaints about insufficient supply, stating, "Make them yourselves." He added that while he hadn't yet discussed this with the manufacturer, he believed it would work out.

“

One of the things we will discuss is that we will give you a license to create Patriots. Make them yourselves.

This offer marks a departure from the U.S. stance against producing advanced American weaponry outside its borders. Meanwhile, several European nations, including Poland and Germany, are actively negotiating with the U.S. and manufacturers for Patriot production or service licenses. Germany is already producing older PAC-2 munitions and servicing missiles, while Poland recently ordered a batch of these. Germany is also seeking a license for the PAC-3 MSE interceptor. An international agreement involving the U.S., Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, and Sweden aims to establish a PAC-3 missile service center in Europe, with Poland potentially hosting a facility to shorten logistical processes.

“

I haven't spoken to the manufacturer yet, but it will all work out.