Patriot Missile Production for Ukraine “Just Started,” as Russia Launches Daily Ballistic Strikes

Two weeks after President Trump promised Ukraine a license to build Patriot missile systems, the companies that actually manufacture them say they are only in early talks and waiting for U.S. government guidance. Lockheed Martin and RTX, the two defense contractors behind the Patriot, described Ukrainian production as “just started.” The statement comes as Russia continues firing ballistic missiles at Ukrainian cities nearly every night. The delay highlights the gap between political promises and industrial reality. While Ukraine urgently needs more air defense systems to counter nightly Russian strikes, the companies say they cannot move forward without official approval from Washington. For now, the Patriot remains a symbol of U.S. support—but not yet a tool Ukraine can build itself.