Trump says US will consider Ukraine request to produce patriot missiles

US President Donald Trump has stated that his administration will review Ukraine’s request for authorisation to produce missiles for American Patriot air defence systems.

Responding to reporters during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, he said: “They would like to be able to do it, we’ll take a look at it,” Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Ukraine requires strengthened air defense systems, particularly interceptor missiles capable of stopping Russian ballistic strikes—systems that are produced only by the United States.

However, with US stockpiles depleted following operations in Iran and the time needed to ramp up manufacturing, Trump reportedly informed allies that he is exploring licensing arrangements, according to officials speaking anonymously.

“The specific licenses in question will be discussed in detail among the participating countries,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told reporters. “This does indeed involve the granting of comprehensive licenses by American companies to European manufacturers.”

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that Trump “insisted on the mobilisation of the American defence industry and the capacity to supply such equipment.”

While the United States already produces some weapons under license overseas—such as Patriot missile systems manufactured in Germany—it typically maintains tight control over such agreements due to concerns around intellectual property and supply chains.

Despite worries that inventories could become strained, the U.S. has continued supplying air defence systems financed by European allies and Canada through a NATO-coordinated mechanism known as PURL.

This week’s G7 summit was widely viewed as unexpectedly positive for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with Trump, and a joint statement was signed by all participating allies, including the United States. Trump also indicated openness to tightening sanctions on Moscow.

“We all face the problem that we are currently producing too little — and this can be offset by granting licenses to companies that have the necessary production capacity,” Merz said, adding that this could include both European and Ukrainian manufacturers.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov