Zelenskyy says that a license from the United States is needed for years before Ukraine can build its own Patriot systems.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that launching the production of Patriot air defense systems in Ukraine would take from one to several years after obtaining a U.S. license. The president made these remarks during a televised broadcast. The TASS news agency reprinted his statement for a wider audience.

Bureaucratic and procedural limitations in the United States, as well as in European countries, are hindering this launch, according to the head of state. Zelenskyy explained that Kyiv is striving to locate as many production processes as possible on its own territory. He believes that the involvement of several European states could complicate deliveries and slow down their arrival.

Even after obtaining permission, Ukraine will not be able to independently produce missiles for Patriot systems, the president noted. The timeline for launching production will depend on the components and technologies that Kyiv receives from its partners. External support remains a key factor in this matter.

Previously, U.S. Representative Mike Turner stated that consultations were underway between representatives of the United States and Ukraine regarding the transfer of technology for the production of Patriot air defense systems. The discussions are continuing at a high level of diplomatic dialogue.

On July 8, the President of Ukraine met with Donald Trump at the NATO summit in Turkey, during which Trump announced plans to grant Kyiv a license to produce missiles for Patriot systems. This meeting was an important event in the context of military assistance.

The United States has previously reported a shortage of Patriot missiles in Ukraine. The situation requires prompt action from all parties involved and their allies.