Ukraine is preparing to launch joint production of Patriot interceptor missiles with the U.S. defense company Raytheon.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this following a meeting with a Raytheon delegation led by the company’s Vice President, Joseph DeAntona.

According to the President, Raytheon has long been one of Ukraine’s key partners in strengthening the country’s air defense capabilities.

“Raytheon is a very strong defense company, and Ukraine has been using its equipment for a long time to protect our people from Russia’s brutal attacks. I appreciate the company’s readiness to take our partnership to a new level by jointly producing one of the most important air defense assets — interceptors for Patriot systems,” Zelenskyy said.

He added that this initiative was previously discussed with U.S. President Donald Trump during their meeting in Ankara, and now both sides are moving toward practical implementation.

The President also noted that Ukrainian government officials and representatives of the defense industry will continue working with Raytheon on the technical details of the project, as well as on expanding cooperation in other areas related to defensive military equipment.