European G7 countries and the US are prepared to license Ukraine-based companies to build long-range missiles and air defence systems that are only made elsewhere and supplied to the Ukrainian military from dwindling stocks. The German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said: “We are all currently producing too little, and this can be offset by granting licences to companies that have these production capabilities, including European and Ukrainian firms.”
An overnight G7 statement pledged to “increase the delivery of air defence capacities, additional systems and interceptors, and long-range capabilities” to Kyiv, and to consider licences to boost Ukraine’s domestic military production. US companies in particular would be able to grant licences for this purpose to European manufacturers, Merz said, adding he was “grateful” to Donald Trump “for this great willingness to cooperate”. A diplomatic source said: “We are going to produce under licence not only air defence systems, but also deep-strike capabilities.” Ukraine has its own extensive anti-drone capabilities but has been facing dire shortages of the interceptor missiles needed to stop cruise and ballistic missiles.
G7 leaders on Wednesday hailed a newly found unity on increasing the pressure on Russia to end its war against Ukraine, sensing a shift by Donald Trump. “It was tough work but worth it,” said the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, describing as a “success” the leaders’ agreed final statement involving key geopolitical issues including Ukraine and Russia. At last year’s G7, Trump walked out early and no statement was issued.
