United States Licenses Ukraine to Produce Patriot Air-Defense Systems

The United States granted Ukraine a license to produce Patriot air-defense systems on its own territory. The move came during the NATO summit that concluded in Ankara on July 8, 2026. NATO leaders pledged at least €70 billion in military support for Ukraine in 2026.

The Ankara summit declaration also committed to providing Kyiv with at least the equivalent amount in 2027. President Trump stated there was "tremendous unity" at the meeting. " The summit declaration stated that "Iran must never have a nuclear weapon" and called on Iran to fully respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The 31 non-U.S. NATO allies increased combined defense spending by $139 billion in the year prior to July 2026. U.S. aircraft conducted more than 5,000 sorties from European air bases in the months preceding the summit.