The US Permanent Representative to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, said he is currently working closely with all allies to find available Patriot missiles that can be transferred or sold to Ukraine.
The United States is seeking to provide Kyiv with PAC-3 interceptors, including through the PURL initiative, Whitaker noted in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
The American diplomat stressed that demand for missiles currently exceeds supply. To address the problem, the United States and its allies are considering expanding production capacity in the United States and Europe, as well as launching joint production of missiles and air-defence systems with Ukrainians and other NATO members. In particular, during a visit to the Czech Republic, Whitaker discussed with the Czech Prime Minister the idea of jointly manufacturing Patriot missiles in their country.
At the same time, the envoy noted Ukraine’s efforts in developing its own interceptors and demonstrating strong capabilities in this area. In his view, protecting Ukraine’s skies should be based on a comprehensive approach combining Patriot deliveries, the development of an integrated air-defence system, and the rollout of domestic production.
The diplomat described the main barrier to rapid weapons deliveries as a shortage of production capacity worldwide, in a world that has become far more dangerous. As a result, NATO members have already agreed to the Hague pledge to increase defence spending to 5%. Whitaker concluded that all partners are ready to invest and sign agreements, but scaling up such complex defence manufacturing takes time, and tangible results from the initiatives launched are expected in around two years.
- Ukraine is short of interceptor missiles for MIM-104 Patriot systems. This is the only system in Ukraine capable of effectively shooting down Iskander-M, Kinzhal and Zircon missiles flying on ballistic and quasi-ballistic trajectories. As a result, there is a trend towards declining effectiveness in countering these types of missiles.
- For years, Kyiv has urged Washington to grant it licences to produce missiles for Patriot air-defence systems. This would not only increase its ability to defend against Russian attacks, but also help NATO countries replenish their stocks. The shortage of air-defence assets has become even more acute against the backdrop of the war in the Middle East.
- The previous US administration refused to grant Ukraine licences. There were positive signals from the current White House chief, Trump, but he has not spoken of a final decision to grant Ukraine the licences.
- Earlier, Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara said that, with partners’ support and an EU loan, Ukraine is signing contracts to supply around a thousand missiles for Patriot air-defence systems.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is holding talks on obtaining licences to produce missiles for Patriot air-defence systems directly with President Trump, as well as at the level of teams and manufacturers.
- In recent days, the US President said negotiations are under way on granting Ukraine a licence to produce “less advanced” missiles for the Patriot system.