Trump says Ukraine could receive a license to produce a less advanced version of Patriot missiles

U.S. President Donald Trump said Ukraine could receive a license from the United States to produce a less advanced variant of missiles intended for Patriot air defense systems. He made the statement while speaking with journalists aboard the presidential aircraft Air Force One.

Trump said the negotiations concern the transfer of a less modern version of the missiles, with the Washington administration yet to make a final decision. The U.S. president stressed that the transfer of such technologies must be considered cautiously.

The White House leader also said that the United States is currently producing more Patriot missiles than ever and is rapidly replenishing its ammunition stocks. However, he argued that the U.S. military also needs certain types of weaponry.

At the beginning of September, Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that granting a license would not resolve the ammunition shortage in the short term. Building factories and increasing production could take several years.

Patriot PAC-3 MSE missiles are essential to Ukraine’s defense against Russian ballistic missiles. Manufacturer RTX produces approximately 500 interceptors per year, while President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly called for increased U.S. deliveries.