Following one of Russia’s largest aerial attacks on Ukraine’s capital this year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has renewed his appeal to the United States to allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air defence missiles under licence, according to AFP.The request came after Russia launched 74 missiles and nearly 500 attack drones overnight, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 90 in Kyiv.
The strikes damaged residential buildings, an ambulance station, a scientific institute, a hotel and other civilian infrastructure across the capital.Calling air defence Ukraine’s “top priority,” Zelenskyy said Kyiv is counting on Washington to approve licences for the joint production of Patriot missiles and other anti-ballistic systems. He argued that strengthening Ukraine’s air defence is essential to protecting civilians from Russia’s escalating missile campaign.
Patriot missile system
Why Ukraine wants more PatriotsUkraine began receiving Patriot air defence batteries from the United States and its European allies in 2023, significantly strengthening its ability to defend major cities against Russian missile attacks.Since their deployment, Patriot systems have played a critical role in protecting Kyiv and other strategic locations. Ukrainian officials have credited them with intercepting several advanced Russian missiles that older Soviet-era air defence systems struggle to counter.Ukraine is currently believed to operate around eight Patriot air defence batteries supplied by the United States and its allies. However, Zelenskyy has repeatedly said the country needs about 25 Patriot systems to provide effective nationwide protection against Russian missile and drone attacks.What is the Patriot air defence system?The MIM-104 Patriot is the United States’ premier long-range air and missile defence system, jointly produced by RTX and Lockheed Martin.Designed to intercept ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, combat aircraft and certain types of drones, it is regarded as one of the world’s most advanced integrated air defence systems.According to Lockheed Martin, the PAC-3 MSE interceptor uses Hit-to-Kill technology, destroying incoming targets through direct body-to-body impact rather than relying solely on an explosive warhead.How does the Patriot system work?A complete Patriot battery typically consists of an AN/MPQ-65 multifunction phased-array radar, an Engagement Control Station, electric power units, communications equipment, and six to eight launcher vehicles.The radar continuously scans the airspace to detect, identify and track incoming threats. Once a target is identified, the Engagement Control Station calculates an interception solution and launches the appropriate interceptor missile.The PAC-3 interceptor is approximately 5 metres long, 25 centimetres in diameter and weighs around 220 kilograms. It can reach speeds of up to 6,100 km/h.Equipped with an active radar seeker, the interceptor can make sharp manoeuvres to engage fast-moving targets without relying on continuous ground-based target illumination.The PAC-3 CRI variant has a publicly stated interception range of up to 45 kilometres and an engagement altitude of up to 12 kilometres against ballistic missiles.Why domestic production mattersAs Russia continues to intensify its missile and drone campaign, securing a reliable supply of advanced air defence interceptors has become a strategic priority for Kyiv.By seeking a US licence to manufacture Patriot missiles domestically, Ukraine aims not only to reduce its dependence on foreign deliveries but also to establish a sustainable air defence industrial base capable of supporting the country’s long-term security against evolving aerial threats.For Kyiv, local production would help ensure a more consistent supply of interceptors while reducing the logistical and political challenges associated with relying solely on overseas deliveries as the war continues.