Ukraine Reports Progress on Domestic Missile Production Deal

Ukrainian officials reported that the United States signaled openness to licensing production of Patriot interceptor missiles for the first time since 2022. The development follows discussions at a recent Group of Seven summit. The shift comes as Ukrainian interceptor drones have drawn interest from the United States to address gaps in air defenses.

Officials said the technology could fill shortfalls exposed during recent conflicts.

A defense minister signed a separate agreement with Germany to jointly develop anti-ballistic missile defenses. The deal marks the second major weapons-production agreement with a Western ally in a week. Ukrainian officials said production licenses for missiles are now being viewed positively by the American side.

A draft memorandum between the State Department and the Ukrainian ambassador was completed in May but remains unsigned.

Ukrainian air defenses intercepted roughly 92 percent of attack drones launched by Russia in May, according to the Defense Ministry. The intercept rate for missiles and drones combined reached more than 88 percent that month. Production of interceptor drones reached 100,000 units in 2025, with output doubling in the first four months of 2026, officials said.

Interceptor drones now account for a doubled share of downed attack drones compared with four months earlier.

Officials described the September window as an effective deadline for serious talks. Ukraine has conducted strikes on Russian energy infrastructure in recent weeks, including attacks on a Moscow oil refinery. One official stated that Russia cannot achieve victory by force and that negotiations remain the only remaining path.