Ukraine is considering the production of ballistic missiles, a move that could significantly alter its defense capabilities, according to European Commissioner for Defense, Andrius Kubilius. In a recent interview, Kubilius highlighted the potential for Ukraine to independently manufacture these weapons, emphasizing the country’s existing expertise in the field.
Kubilius noted that while Ukraine has made strides in its defense sector, it currently lacks advanced radar and target detection systems. He indicated that Ukraine is collaborating with European partners to address these gaps. “During my missile tour across Europe, I met with several companies willing to collaborate with both Europe and Ukraine. Therefore, this could become a reality quite soon,” he stated.
The European Commissioner also mentioned that acquiring a license to produce Patriot missiles is not the only avenue for Ukraine to gain an advantage on the battlefield. He stressed that Ukraine is already achieving successes and that support for these efforts is crucial. “This could indeed influence the transformation of Russia, which should be our primary strategic goal, as it affects whether Europe will have sustainable and lasting peace,” Kubilius added.
On June 18, during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Ramstein, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the need to bolster Ukraine’s defenses against Russian ballistic threats before winter. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated the urgency of procuring weapons from the United States through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), an international defense initiative aimed at securing essential military supplies. Under this program, Ukraine receives approximately 75% of interceptor missiles for the Patriot systems, primarily PAC-2 and PAC-3, and nearly 90% for other air defense complexes.
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov highlighted that Russian ballistic missiles remain one of the most significant threats to Ukraine. He stated that developing modern anti-ballistic solutions is a top priority for protecting cities, critical infrastructure, and civilians. Fedorov also announced an agreement with Germany to advance anti-ballistic programs.
Leaders from the Group of Seven (G7) nations have expressed their commitment to increasing air defense capabilities for Ukraine. They also indicated a willingness to consider extending licenses to Ukraine to facilitate expanded military production.
Ukraine is contemplating the domestic production of ballistic missiles, which could enhance its defense capabilities against ongoing threats. European officials emphasize the importance of collaboration with partners and the necessity of advanced systems to support these efforts.