Ukraine could take years to launch production of Patriot interceptor missiles even if the United States grants a license to do so, the Financial Times reported.
According to the newspaper's analysts, Ukraine would spend years negotiating the transfer of technology and building a certified supply chain. The paper said a deal with Washington would not offer a short-term solution, but that the agreement itself could encourage allies to hand over valuable stockpiles if they know replenishment is expected.
Reported shortfall in deliveries
The anonymous Ukrainian Telegram channel Resident earlier reported, citing a source in the Ukrainian president's office, that Kyiv had received only 20 Patriot air defense missiles over six months. The president's office said that a promise to allocate aid monthly does not reflect the actual amount delivered.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier complained that the Americans cut deliveries of Patriot air defense missiles to make Kyiv more compliant. During the most recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Zelensky, Trump refused to supply the missiles.
