US-Ukraine Patriot co-production deal delayed until after winter, envoy says

The United States will not finalize a bilateral agreement with Ukraine to jointly manufacture interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems prior to the coming winter, according to the US permanent representative to NATO, Matthew Whitaker.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Whitaker explained that sensitive technology protections remain a central reason for delaying the long-term arrangement. However, Washington is continuing active efforts alongside Kyiv and European partners to co-produce other air defense capabilities.

Ukrainian officials have consistently sought expanded technology transfers to boost domestic defense manufacturing as winter approaches, aiming to safeguard crucial civilian energy infrastructure from anticipated Russian air strikes.

Sources: MIA (Media Information Agency), Sloboden Pečat.