Ukraine wants to manufacture anti-ballistic missiles under licences from its partners
This was stated by Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Andriy Sibiga, during the NATO summit in Ankara, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to Sibiga, air defence remains Ukraine’s top security priority. The minister emphasised that Kyiv urgently needs to strengthen its defences against ballistic threats in particular, as Russia relies on ballistic strikes as one of its key advantages.
This involves not only the supply of ready-made systems and missiles, but also production in Ukraine under licences from partners. This approach is intended to reduce dependence on lengthy supply chains and enable a faster build-up of air defence missile stocks.
Why the focus is on anti-ballistic defence
Sybiga stated that ballistic defence is not only a matter of saving lives, but also a way to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position and force Moscow to end the war. According to him, at this stage of the war, the ‘battle for the skies’ is determining the future course of hostilities.
Ukraine also emphasises that it already possesses unique combat experience, technological solutions and the ability to rapidly implement new defence developments. That is precisely why Kyiv is proposing that its partners not only supply weapons but also launch joint or licensed production.
What Zelenskyy said
The issue of licences for the production of air defence missiles has already been raised at presidential level. Following the G7–Ukraine meeting in June, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that one of the priorities was to increase the number of air defence missiles and secure licences for their production. According to the Office of the President, Zelenskyy also discussed with the US President the possibility of obtaining licences to manufacture relevant anti-ballistic systems and missiles.
At the NATO summit in Ankara, Zelenskyy specifically called on partners to support Ukraine’s efforts to obtain licences to manufacture missiles for the Patriot systems in Ukraine.
Why this has become critical right now
The issue of anti-ballistic defence has become more acute following new large-scale attacks by the Russian Federation. According to the Institute for the Study of War, during the attack on the night of 6 July, Ukrainian forces were able to intercept almost all Russian cruise missiles, but did not shoot down a single ballistic missile.
The Air Force explained that the main reason was a shortage of interceptor missiles for the Patriot systems. It is precisely these systems that are capable of effectively engaging the ballistic targets that Russia is increasingly using against Ukrainian cities.
What is the situation with Patriot deliveries?
Ukraine continues to ask its partners to transfer interceptor missiles from their stocks immediately. The problem is that new contracted deliveries of missiles for the Patriot system cannot begin until next year. Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov previously stated that Ukraine is already signing contracts for such missiles, but is asking its partners to meet the urgent need from existing stocks.
This is precisely why licensed production is being considered as a strategic solution to the situation: whilst it does not replace urgent deliveries, it could provide Ukraine with a more stable system for replenishing its stocks in the future.
What this means for air defence
If partners agree to transfer licences, Ukraine will be able to move from a model of constantly awaiting deliveries to one of domestic or joint production of individual components of its anti-ballistic defence system.
This is of fundamental importance for Ukrainian cities. Ballistic missiles remain one of the most difficult targets to intercept, and their use by Russia has caused the greatest destruction during strikes on Kyiv and other cities.
For the time being, these are negotiations rather than production that has already begun. Specific countries, quantities, timelines and types of systems are not being officially disclosed for security reasons.
However, the very nature of the request has changed: Ukraine is asking not only for more missiles and air defence systems, but also for the right to manufacture anti-ballistic weapons under Western licences.
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