Patriot missile system

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said US President Donald Trump has approved the production of Patriot missiles in Ukraine. If confirmed, it would mark a significant step in US-Ukraine defense cooperation, allowing Kyiv to manufacture the advanced air defense systems domestically and strengthen its ability to counter Russian missile and drone attacks.

Experts say a reported plan by Donald Trump to license Patriot missiles to Ukraine could take years to implement. Licensing arrangements for advanced US air defense systems involve lengthy production, approval and training processes, meaning any near-term boost to Ukraine's defenses under such a scheme is uncertain. The assessment raises questions about how quickly Ukraine could receive the Patriot capability it has been seeking.