Volodymyr Zelensky seeks US manufacturing licenses to produce Patriot interceptors for Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed a strong desire to obtain manufacturing licenses from the United States to produce Patriot interceptors directly in Ukraine. The country currently faces a significant supply crunch, having used a large portion of the stock to counter Iranian drone attacks in the Gulf and Moscow's ongoing offensive. Ukrainian officials reported that the country currently holds only 1% of the US stockpile, while President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that 5% is required to survive the winter. To address the production gap, President Volodymyr Zelensky offered Raytheon and Lockheed Martin ownership and control of manufacturing plants in Ukraine, suggesting a collaborative effort where US manufacturers provide the technology and Ukrainian engineers provide the labor. While the White House has not yet guaranteed production, the administration announced that the security of US technology remains a paramount concern. The move highlights a global supply crisis where production rates currently lag behind the demand from both the Middle East and Gulf states. Ukraine's strategy aims to long-term sustainability by building domestic production capacity rather than relying solely on on-shore manufacturing.