Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on July 23, 2026, that Raytheon had expressed interest and readiness to pursue joint production of Patriot interceptor missiles with Ukraine. After meeting a company delegation led by Vice President Joseph DeAntona, Zelenskyy said government and private-sector teams would remain in contact to finalize the details. The discussions follow U.S. President Donald Trump's statement at the July 8 NATO summit in Ankara that Washington would grant Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot interceptors. Kyiv is seeking to strengthen its air defenses against escalating Russian ballistic missile attacks, while one listed source reported that establishing production could take several years.
Ukraine-Raytheon Patriot interceptor co-production
- ▪Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with a Raytheon delegation led by Vice President Joseph DeAntona to discuss potential joint production of Patriot interceptors.
- ▪Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on July 23, 2026, that Raytheon had expressed interest and readiness to pursue joint production of Patriot interceptor missiles with Ukraine, with further details still to be finalized.
- ▪Zelenskyy said the discussions with the Raytheon delegation also focused on other areas of partnership involving non-offensive military equipment.
Russian ballistic missile threat
- ▪Ukraine is seeking to bolster its air defenses to counter escalating Russian ballistic missile and aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities.
- ▪Ukraine relies on Patriot interceptors to counter Russian ballistic missiles and has sought expanded supplies and a license to manufacture the interceptors.
U.S. manufacturing license grant
- ▪U.S. President Donald Trump announced during the NATO summit in Ankara on July 8, 2026, that the United States would grant Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors.
- ▪One listed source reported that establishing Patriot interceptor production in Ukraine could take several years.
Zelenskiy diplomatic engagement
- ▪Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker and Lieutenant General Curtis Buzzard on July 22, 2026, to discuss expanding Patriot interceptor supplies.
- ▪Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented Lieutenant General Curtis Buzzard with the Order of Merit, Third Class, during their meeting in Kyiv.
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