Shield Shortage: Zelenskyy Urges US to Grant Ukraine License to Produce Patriot Missiles

Amid rising global tensions and increased production of ballistic missiles in Russia, the issue of ensuring sufficient air defense capabilities has become critical. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the current production volumes of American anti-ballistic missiles, amounting to only 60–65 units per month, do not match the scale of modern challenges.

Production Crisis and Global Risks

According to the Ukrainian leader, the production situation in the US could lead to a crisis in various regions of the world. Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia is fully aware of this shortage. "This is nothing compared to the current challenges. We need to expand production," the president noted, calling for urgent measures to increase capacity.

License for Production in Ukraine

A key demand from Kyiv is obtaining a license from the United States to localize the production of missiles for the Patriot system. Zelenskyy has made this request to both the previous and current US administrations. In his view, Ukraine is ready to independently increase the output of these missiles, which would benefit not only Kyiv but also other countries, including Middle Eastern states that the US may be assisting.

The President also added that until Europe begins producing its own air defense systems, Ukraine needs support from Washington.

Context: Poland and the Pentagon

In late May 2026, the US gave preliminary consent to Poland to localize the production of missiles for the Patriot system. At the same time, despite Ukraine's long efforts, similar progress in obtaining a license for Kyiv has not yet been achieved.

Earlier, in July 2025, the Pentagon increased the volume of purchases of missiles for the Patriot system fourfold, allocating more than $1.3 billion for the 2026 fiscal year. However, experts warned that a large-scale increase in production would not happen instantly. Ukraine has already offered the US to purchase 10 Patriot systems and obtain the rights to produce them in order to independently ensure the protection of its own airspace.