“A mutually beneficial story”: expert explains why it is important to launch Patriot production in Ukraine

Political expert and military serviceman Oleksandr Musiienko said that Ukraine could help produce Patriot missiles for the United States, its partners, and itself, according to Politeka. He shared this view in his blog.

According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, the expert notes, current production rates of Patriot missiles are around 60–65 units per month. “It is no secret, it is even ridiculous, and Russia is aware of it,” he said. Musiienko argues that Ukraine could contribute to expanding production, especially as Russia continues to increase its own ballistic missile output. He also warns that a shortage of interceptors in the United States could trigger a crisis in different parts of the world.

“The letter that Zelensky sent to Trump and Congress is important in the sense that we are not asking for charity with an outstretched hand saying: ‘Give us this because you are our last hope.’ In fact, only the United States currently produces Patriot systems, but other countries could join as well,” Musiienko noted.

He added that demand for Patriot systems and PAC-3 interceptor missiles has increased after the world saw, based on Ukraine’s experience, how Russian ballistic missiles can be intercepted, as well as after their use by the United States, Israel, and allies in the Middle East. According to the expert, expanding production would also benefit the U.S., bringing additional revenue, while Ukraine would gain missiles, jobs, and investment.

“Launching Patriot production in Ukraine would mean that at least in the area where it is produced, Patriot batteries and other air defense systems would be deployed. The amount of protected territory, at the level of a region, would increase, which is already a positive outcome. Accordingly, we produce, benefit ourselves, and meet the needs of countries that want to purchase these missiles from the United States, while the U.S. earns profits. It is a completely mutually beneficial story. I hope the United States will make the appropriate decision,” Musiienko explained.