The United States will not conclude a long-term agreement with Ukraine on joint production of interceptor missiles for Patriot systems by this winter. This was stated by U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker on Fox News.
According to him, Washington continues negotiations with Kyiv and European partners on cooperation in the production of air defense systems. However, an agreement on localizing PAC-3 missile production is not planned in the near term.
"A long-term production agreement will not be concluded by this winter. Therefore, we will continue to work on this," Whitaker said.
The U.S. position on the production of these interceptors remains strict.
"We do not allow anyone but American manufacturers to produce these missiles," emphasized the U.S. representative to NATO.
Meanwhile, negotiations on defense production continue — this is consistent with the results of talks between the presidents of Ukraine and the United States in Washington, as well as Whitaker's meetings with Ukrainian leadership in Kyiv.
License as a Long-Term Project
The issue of a license to produce Patriot interceptor missiles remains one of the key points in the dialogue between Kyiv and Washington. Potentially, this would strengthen Ukrainian air defense, but this is a matter of years ahead: launching full-scale production requires time, equipment, and trained personnel.
Currently, the priority is different — the rapid supply of existing air defense systems. This is possible either through allies who already have the necessary missiles in storage, or by increasing production at American facilities.
"The most important thing now is to supply Ukraine as quickly as possible with the air defense systems it needs to survive another winter," Whitaker added.
Timeline of Promises
- On July 8, at the NATO summit in Ankara, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot interceptors.
- The transfer of corresponding licenses was also discussed during Trump's meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky on July 28 in Washington.
- However, on July 31, Trump said he had not yet decided whether to transfer licenses for missile production to Ukraine.
The difference between statements about fundamental readiness and an actual agreement remains key. The question for this winter is straightforward: will existing supplies and increased production in the U.S. and by allies be sufficient to cover the shortage of interceptors without localization in Ukraine.
