Semafor: Israel steht vor einem gravierenden Mangel an Raketenabwehrsystemen | DAS TÄGLICHE

[https://www.kyivpost.com/post/70612](https://www.kyivpost.com/post/70612)

President Volodymyr Zelensky said the United States has refused to grant Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot air defense systems or their missiles domestically.

In an interview with BBC [published](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgj9p15y87o) on Sunday, Feb. 22, Zelensky said air defense remains Ukraine’s most pressing challenge as Russia continues large-scale aerial attacks.

“Today the issue is air defense. This is the most difficult problem,” Zelensky said. “Unfortunately, our partners still do not grant licenses for us to produce systems ourselves, for example, Patriot systems, or even missiles for the systems we already have. So far, we have not achieved success in this.”

When asked why the licenses had not been granted, Zelensky responded: “I don’t know. I have no answer.”

# Push for Domestic Production

Ukraine has repeatedly sought permission to manufacture Western weapons under license, arguing that local production would accelerate supply and reduce dependence on external deliveries.

The Patriot system, produced in the United States and used by several NATO countries, is considered one of the most effective air defense platforms capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. Ukraine has relied on Patriots to counter Russian missile strikes targeting energy infrastructure and major cities.

Zelensky has previously urged partners to expand air defense support, saying existing systems are insufficient to protect the country from sustained attacks.