Experts: Ukraine cannot build Patriot air defense systems within a year
Two expert groups advising the UK Ministry of Defence concluded that Ukraine cannot produce Patriot missile systems in one year due to physical obstacles.
Two groups of experts advising the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence have concluded that Ukraine cannot manufacture Patriot air defense systems within a year. The obstacles are physical rather than bureaucratic.
First, the guidance package of the Patriot missile is a US secret, making it inaccessible to Ukrainian industry. Second, converting an engine production line for Patriot missiles would require Ukraine to reduce output of its own deep-strike missiles, which would severely hinder its ability to strike Russian rear areas.
The experts emphasize that even if political and financial hurdles were removed, technical constraints make this task impossible in the short term. The findings highlight that Ukraine's current production infrastructure and technological dependence on allies prevent rapid development of such complex weapon systems.
