Congressman Turner Advocates for and President Trump Authorizes Patriot Missile Interceptor Licensure in Ukraine
WASHINGTON, DC — July 8, 2026. In June, Congressman Mike Turner sent a letter to President Trump, highlighting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s request for additional Patriot missile interceptors and supporting Ukraine’s production of those interceptors domestically. Today, President Donald Trump’s announced that the United States will grant Ukraine a production license to build Patriot missiles on their own soil.
In his letter, Congressman Turner said:
“Ukraine has shown extraordinary adaptability in countering Russia’s evolving aerial threats, but it does not have the domestic production capacity to replace the high-end interceptors required to defeat Russia’s most advanced missiles systems.”
“The Patriot systems, and particularly the PAC-3 interceptor, has proven to be one of the most effective capabilities available to Ukraine against Russian ballistic missile attacks. As Russia increases the scale and frequency of these strikes, Ukraine’s ability to defend its population and critical infrastructure depends on a reliable and sustained supply of interceptors.”
Speaking alongside President Zelenskyy during today’s NATO Summit in Ankara, President Trump said: “We’re going to give a license to you to make Patriots. That’s pretty cool.”
The Patriot missile system is a state-of-the-art air defense network, capable of shooting down high-speed ballistic and cruise missiles.
As Ukraine suffers from a critical shortage of air defense interceptors, domestic Patriot missile production will be pivotal for Ukraine’s defensive capabilities — especially amid intensified Russian ballistic missile attacks, including devastating recent strikes on Kyiv.
With Putin at his weakest position in years, sustained pressure and bolstered Ukrainian air defense will be key to finally ending this war.
Congressman Turner, an unwavering advocate for Ukraine, will continue championing measures to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russian aggression.