When Will Ukraine Start Producing Its Own Patriot Missiles—and Which Ones Will It Make?

Ukraine could begin licensed production of Patriot air defense missiles as early as late 2027 or early 2028, with new details pointing to the PAC-2 GEM-T as the interceptor likely to be manufactured domestically.

According to Defense Express on September 23, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is negotiating with US defense company Raytheon over licensed production of missiles for the Patriot system. Zelenskyy said Ukraine hopes to establish production within approximately one to one and a half years.

The involvement of Raytheon provides a key indication of which Patriot interceptor could be produced in Ukraine. Raytheon manufactures the PAC-2 GEM-T, while the newer PAC-3 family, including the PAC-3 MSE, is produced by Lockheed Martin.

US President Donald Trump previously said Ukraine would receive a license to manufacture Patriot missiles, describing the interceptor involved as a “less modern version,” but did not identify a specific model.

Defense Express assessed that the combination of Trump’s description and Ukraine’s negotiations with Raytheon points to the PAC-2 GEM-T.

Read more

Category

World

Ukraine Wants to Build Patriots at Home—US Manufacturers Fear It Could Do It Better and Cheaper

Aug 10, 2026 10:41

The PAC-2 GEM-T is designed to intercept aircraft, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles. Unlike the PAC-3 MSE, which uses hit-to-kill technology to destroy a target through direct impact, the PAC-2 GEM-T carries an explosive warhead that detonates near its target.

According to Defense Express, the PAC-2 GEM-T is estimated to have an effectiveness of around 60% against ballistic targets, compared with approximately 80% to 90% for the PAC-3 MSE.

However, the PAC-2 GEM-T could offer advantages when expanding production. Defense Express noted that PAC-3 manufacturing depends on active radar seekers produced by Boeing, which represent a potential supply bottleneck. The PAC-2 GEM-T does not rely on the same component.

The timeline for Ukrainian production remains dependent on when the necessary license is obtained and how much of the manufacturing process is ultimately localized.

If the license is secured in the near term, Defense Express estimated that production lines could be operational by late 2027 or early 2028. That does not necessarily mean completed Ukrainian-made missiles would become available at the same time.

The outlet noted that a full PAC-2 GEM-T production cycle could take at least a year. If Ukraine establishes complete domestic production of the interceptor and its components, the first missiles could therefore reach Ukrainian forces in late 2028 or potentially in 2029.

Read more

Category

Defense Tech

Patriot Makers Begin Mapping Out Missile Production in Ukraine

Jul 21, 2026 10:32

That timeline could be shorter if Ukraine instead produces selected components domestically and conducts final assembly using parts manufactured elsewhere.

No official date for the first Ukrainian-produced Patriot missile has been announced, and the scope of localization remains unclear. The PAC-2 GEM-T identification and the estimated timeline for the first completed missiles are based on Defense Express’ assessment of currently available information.

Earlier, Ukraine reported a severe shortage of Patriot interceptors, with some launchers left idle due to a lack of missiles. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed licensed production in Ukraine with US manufacturers Raytheon and Lockheed Martin as a way to secure a more stable supply of interceptors.

Protect Ukrainian Skies

Subscribe to Sky Defense