The US plans to transfer technology to Ukraine for the production of interceptor missiles for the Patriot systems, and the parties are already holding talks on the matter. This was stated by US Congressman Mike Turner. A potential agreement could pave the way for long-term co-production of air defence systems in Ukraine.
Briefly about the main points
- Mike Turner has announced that talks are under way regarding Patriot missile technology.
- These are interceptor missiles for air defence systems.
- In July, Ukraine held talks with Raytheon regarding co-production.
- Zelenskyy also raised the issue of licences with the US President.
- The details of a potential technology transfer have yet to be agreed.
Negotiations on technology for interceptors
Member of the US Congress Mike Turner said that Washington plans to transfer technology to Ukraine rocket production for Patriot. According to him, negotiations on this matter are already under way.
Patriot is a family of air defence systems and various types of missiles. In public statements, the Ukrainian side has cited interceptor missiles for these systems as a potential area of cooperation.
Kyiv has already discussed co-production with Raytheon
On 23 July, the President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after meetings Speaking with the Raytheon delegation, he stated that the company was ready to take its partnership to the next level — the co-production in Ukraine of interceptor missiles for the Patriot system. The parties agreed to maintain contact at both government and corporate levels to work out the details.
On 28 July, Zelenskyy also stated that he had discussed licences for the production of Patriot interceptors with the US President. He had previously emphasised Ukraine’s critical need for such missiles in the face of Russian air strikes.
From supplies to production cooperation
Technology transfer may involve a broader model of cooperation than simply supplying finished missiles: ranging from the repair and assembly of individual components to the localisation of part of the production process. The specific scope of such cooperation will depend on licensing conditions, the type of interceptor, supply chains and site security.
RTX/Raytheon and Lockheed Martin are involved in the production of components for the Patriot system. At the same time, the US defence industry is ramping up production PAC-3 MSE: Lockheed Martin plans to increase its annual production capacity from approximately 600 to 2,000 missiles under a seven-year agreement. This suggests that launching production is a complex industrial process, even if a political decision on technological cooperation is taken.
