Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with representatives from Raytheon, a U.S. defense contractor, on Thursday to discuss the potential co-production of Patriot air defense systems. This meeting followed an approval from former President Donald Trump for Ukraine to collaborate with the United States on the production of these military systems.
Zelensky indicated that the discussions included how Ukraine could manufacture Patriot interceptors, which are considered essential for defending against Russian missile attacks. He noted that he had previously discussed this initiative with Trump during a NATO summit in Turkey earlier in July. Zelensky stated that teams from both the Ukrainian government and Raytheon would maintain communication to finalize the agreement, and they also explored other areas of partnership regarding non-offensive military equipment.
Zelensky expressed appreciation for Raytheon's willingness to enhance their partnership, emphasizing the importance of co-producing vital air defense assets. He acknowledged the support from the United States for Ukraine's defense efforts.
The discussions come after Trump announced in Turkey that he would authorize Ukraine to produce its own PAC-3 Patriot missiles, following years of U.S. military support to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Trump remarked that this arrangement would allow Ukraine to independently produce the necessary equipment.
Zelensky reiterated that acquiring missiles for the Patriot systems is a priority for Ukraine as the conflict continues. He called for clear understanding among partners regarding their responsibilities and the need for timely implementation of agreements related to military support.
The Patriot missile defense system is known for its capability to intercept various aerial threats, including ballistic missiles. While the U.S. has supplied Ukraine with Patriot interceptors, the provision of these systems has raised concerns regarding the depletion of U.S. stockpiles and the high costs associated with each interceptor, which can amount to several million dollars.