Trump signals possible license for Ukraine to produce less advanced Patriot missiles
US President Donald Trump has signaled that Ukraine could be allowed to produce a less advanced version of missiles for Patriot air defense systems under a US license, after previously expressing reservations about transferring the technology.
Asked by reporters aboard Air Force One whether President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would be able to secure a license to produce Patriot missiles in Ukraine, Trump replied: “A less advanced version.”
Trump did not provide further details or say which version of the missile he was referring to.
Zelenskyy previously said he and Trump had “politically” resolved the issue of licensed Patriot missile production in Ukraine. Trump initially appeared to confirm that possibility but later said he had not yet approved the transfer of the technology.
“We have to be careful when we give that technology, because sometimes the people you give it to can turn it against you someday,” Trump said at the time.
Ukraine has been pushing for more Patriot interceptors as Russia continues ballistic missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Zelenskyy has said Ukraine received three times fewer missiles capable of intercepting ballistic threats from its partners this year than in 2025, with Kyiv being told that supplies had been affected by fighting in the Middle East.
Ukraine recently received a small batch of additional Patriot missiles, but Zelenskyy said more were needed.
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