Boeing blocks key Patriot missile technology transfer to Ukraine

Boeing is unwilling to grant Ukraine a licence to manufacture the seeker head for Patriot missiles, a key component that currently prevents domestic production of the air defence interceptors, according to Die Welt journalist Christoph Wanner.

Speaking about the challenges of establishing missile production in Ukraine, Wanner said the process is highly complex and would require the creation of an entire supply chain, obtaining production licences and constructing manufacturing facilities, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

He identified the seeker head used in Patriot missiles, particularly the PAC-3 variant most needed by Ukraine, as the main bottleneck.

According to Wanner, Boeing, which manufactures the seeker heads, is not prepared to transfer production licences for the component to third countries. He added that manufacturing the seeker heads is itself a technically demanding and time-consuming process.

Ukraine has been seeking to expand domestic defence production and strengthen its air defence capabilities as it continues to face Russian missile and drone attacks.

By Aghakazim Guliyev