US and Ukraine unlikely to sign Patriot missile co-production deal before winter

A joint agreement between the United States and Ukraine for the co-production of Patriot air defense interceptor missiles is unlikely to be finalized before this winter, according to US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Whitaker explained that establishing long-term defense manufacturing partnerships requires extended lead times. Despite the delay surrounding the Patriot missile system, he highlighted ongoing cooperation between Washington, Kyiv, and European partners to advance joint production initiatives for alternative air defense technology.

Ukrainian officials have consistently sought expanded air defense capabilities and localized defense manufacturing to protect energy networks and critical infrastructure from aerial strikes as winter approaches.

Sources: MIA (Media Information Agency), Sloboden Pečat