Trump hints Ukraine may manufacture Patriot missiles amid global shortages
At the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump suggested Ukraine could be licensed to manufacture Patriot interceptors to counter Russia’s missile threat, but the promise was vague and unbacked by talks with Lockheed Martin or RTX. Even if granted, the plan faces big hurdles: high costs (about $3 million per interceptor), limited US stockpiles, and a long timeline to build production facilities. The US only produces roughly 50–60 Patriots per month for itself and allies, and depleted stocks mean Kyiv would not receive immediate help. Experts warn licensing Ukraine won’t quickly solve urgent air-defence needs, as Russia continues launching missiles and a production facility could be a target for retaliation.