Ukraine is seeking not only additional Patriot air defense systems from the United States but also licenses to produce their interceptor missiles domestically, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a joint briefing with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine is currently relying on its air force to help counter large-scale russian drone attacks, including Shahed-type UAVs and their russian variants such as Geran unit. He stressed that existing air defense resources are under constant strain due to the scale and frequency of strikes.
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The president emphasized that Swedish fighter jets, particularly Gripen platform, are expected to play a future role in strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities. Integration of modern Western aircraft is seen as part of a broader effort to build a layered air defense system.
However, Volodymyr Zelenskyy underlined that when it comes to ballistic missile threats, there is currently no alternative to Patriot system. He described it as the only operationally proven solution available to Ukraine for intercepting such targets.
"Right now, apart from Patriot systems, we do not have other tools," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated, highlighting the critical importance of the system in protecting Ukrainian cities and infrastructure from missile strikes.
Beyond requests for additional systems, Ukraine is now pushing for a more strategic solution: access to production licenses for PAC-3 interceptor missiles. Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that an official request has already been sent to U.S. President Donald Trump and members of Congress.
Ukrainian officials emphasize that accelerating supply and enabling domestic production is essential ahead of the winter period, when russia is expected to intensify attacks on the country's energy infrastructure.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted that Ukraine's long-term goal is either to obtain full technological access for missile production or to develop its own independent missile defense capability, reducing reliance on external supply chains in the future.
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