Ukraine to co-manufacture Patriot missiles with Raytheon

Ukraine is set to co-manufacture Patriot interceptor missiles with U.S. defense contractor Raytheon, according to an announcement by President Volodymyr Zelensky. The agreement follows a meeting with Raytheon executives and aims to bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities against intensified Russian attacks. Zelensky stated that both governments and private sectors will finalize the details of this initiative.

In parallel, Ukraine and the U.S. are advancing plans for joint drone production, which includes establishing a factory in the U.S. that will utilize Ukraine's advanced drone technology. Ukrainian drones are noted for their extended operational ranges, capable of flying over 3,000 kilometers. These drones are also slated to participate in the Pentagon's Drone Dominance program, with six Ukrainian companies cleared for export quotas.