Zelenskyy explores Trump-backed air defence manufacturing licenses

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the possibility of Ukraine receiving licenses to produce anti-ballistic missile systems during a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the G7 summit, according to Interfax-Ukraine.

“I raised this issue, we spoke about it with President Trump, and our teams will work on it. God willing, this time we will be able to obtain licenses for the production of relevant anti-ballistic systems and missiles,” he said.

Zelenskyy also noted that during meetings with other summit participants, he highlighted Ukraine’s need for additional air defence systems. “Air defence – everyone acknowledges it, everyone will help, the entire ‘Group of Seven’ will work to strengthen our protection. We discussed both systems and missiles. No details for now; more details can be shared later,” said the President of Ukraine.

Ukraine has long sought US approval for licensed local production of Patriot PAC-3 interceptor missiles to address gaps in air defence capabilities amid high consumption rates during the conflict with Russia.

Zelenskyy previously raised the issue with the Biden administration and continued advocating for it under Trump, arguing that expanded manufacturing in Ukraine could benefit not only Kyiv but also other US partners facing ballistic missile threats, given limited US output of roughly 60-65 missiles monthly.

The US maintains co-production arrangements for Patriot systems with certain allies, though full transfer of sensitive missile production technology to Ukraine remains a complex matter involving export controls and strategic considerations.

By Jeyhun Aghazada