If Ukraine received U.S. licenses to manufacture Patriot air defense systems, its production capacity would be sufficient to defend both Ukraine and partner countries that need them.
According to Ukrinform, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky made the statement during his evening video address.
"We have long made the case that we are capable of producing such defensive weapons ourselves. If Ukraine were granted U.S. licenses to produce Patriots, our own production would be sufficient both to protect Ukraine and to help partners in need," Zelensky said.
He noted that emergency response operations are still underway following Russia's massive attack, during which the terrorist state used 68 missiles and more than 350 drones of various types.
The President praised Ukraine's Defense Forces for achieving a high interception rate against cruise missiles and Shahed drones. However, due to a shortage of missiles for Patriot systems, Ukraine was unable to effectively counter Russia's ballistic missile attacks.
