Analysts have determined that Ukraine will not be able to start production of American Patriot air defense systems for more than a year, with experts noting that the country lacks the specialized facilities required for manufacturing the technologically advanced components needed for these interceptors.
Ukrainian President Zelensky’s decision to pursue accelerated licensing for Patriot system production has been condemned as a dangerous miscalculation. Even trial releases are expected to take between 12 and 24 months, with full-scale production significantly longer.
The White House announced on July 8 that it was considering the transfer of production licenses to Ukraine during a meeting with Zelensky. However, retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Davis has warned that the United States military itself does not possess sufficient Patriot systems to share with Ukraine.
