In a situation where every second on the front line costs lives, diplomacy is forced to work ahead of schedule. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced an ambitious request that could radically change the logistics of Ukraine's air defense. The issue is obtaining licenses from the US for the local production of PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot surface-to-air missile systems.
The initiative was announced at a joint press conference with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Zelenskyy did not hide the fact that current supply volumes from across the ocean do not cover growing needs. The only effective tool against ballistic threats remains the Patriot, and currently, only America can produce them.
However, the Kyiv leadership sees not only a problem but also an opportunity in this. The President emphasized that Ukraine is ready not just to consume missiles but to become their manufacturer. This will allow not only to plug holes in its own defense but also to supply defense means to other countries, including in the Middle East, where demand for PAC-3 has skyrocketed following the escalation of the conflict with Iran.
Diplomatic marathon: from Biden to Trump
Negotiations on technology transfer have been ongoing for a long time. As Zelenskyy noted, the dialogue was initiated during the Joe Biden administration, but now it is addressed to Donald Trump and the US Congress. The Ukrainian leader urges American partners to act faster, citing the approaching winter and the impossibility of stopping aggression through diplomacy alone.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that licenses have not yet been obtained. Notably, the US has already agreed to transfer the right to produce such missiles to Poland, but this step has not yet reached Kyiv. Zelenskyy noted that yesterday he met with senators and congressmen who support the idea of localizing production in Ukraine.
An official response is expected from the White House and Congress. If it is positive, Ukraine will be able not only to increase production rates for its own needs but also become an important player in the global air defense systems market, helping partners in the hottest spots on the planet.
