Production of Patriot missiles in Ukraine may be delayed by several years — Bloomberg

US plans for the production of Patriot missiles in Ukraine may face significant challenges

The idea of starting the production of American interceptor missiles for the Patriot systems in Ukraine may require significant time and effort, particularly due to the need to establish new supply chains for components.

According to Bloomberg, the implementation of such a project would be quite complex and would depend on the type of missiles planned for production. Currently, PAC-3 missiles, capable of intercepting ballistic targets, are produced only in the US and Japan. Launching new production would require extensive preparatory work: from creating specialized equipment to training personnel and forming supply networks.

Particular attention is paid to the strict restrictions by the US on the transfer of relevant technologies. Even when there is an opportunity to manufacture some components relatively simply, the production of solid-fuel engines, guidance systems, and other high-tech elements is much more complex. For example, the seeker head for the PAC-3 missile for factories in the US and Japan is produced by Boeing.

Experts cite security as a serious issue. Any enterprise where weapons are manufactured could become a target for Russian strikes. Senior Research Fellow William Alberque of the Pacific Forum noted that it would be better to implement the project in Poland to reduce potential risks.

The White House has already expressed interest in the possibility of granting Ukraine licenses for the production of Patriot missiles. President Donald Trump emphasized that the US is also ready to purchase Ukrainian drones. Recall that during the NATO summit in Ankara on July 8, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky already discussed with the American president the possibility of arms production in Ukraine.