Ukraine offers Patriot manufacturer investment to strengthen air defence network
Defence Minister Rustem Umerov announces Ukraine's readiness to invest in cooperation with US air defence manufacturer Patriot and other US defence companies.
Here's What We Know
During the talks with Raytheon Vice President Joe Deanton, the parties discussed Ukraine's urgent need for additional Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems and ammunition. Umerov emphasised that the protection of civilians, critical infrastructure and settlements is a priority, and the state is ready to invest in this area to strengthen defence.
The minister also stressed that Ukraine's strategic course is to expand defence and industrial cooperation with the United States. According to him, deepening cooperation with Raytheon is a key element of this strategy. The Ukrainian side expressed interest in establishing joint sites for the maintenance and modernisation of weapons already in service with the Defence Forces.
The MIM-104 Patriot anti-aircraft missile system. Illustration: Israeli Air Force
In addition to Raytheon, the Ministry of Defence emphasised the openness of Ukrainian defence enterprises to cooperation with other US companies. This should speed up the logistics, maintenance, and supply of military units with the necessary equipment.
Back in April, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine was ready to purchase ten Patriot batteries at its own expense to protect key cities from Russian missile attacks. It was also proposed to deploy licensed production of the systems and ammunition in Ukraine.
Source: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine
