The process of processing documents that would allow the deployment of missile production for Patriot systems in Ukraine has been blocked at the Pentagon. Despite preliminary approval of the matter by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth in October 2026, a final decision has not yet been made.
Reasons for delay and negotiation details
According to two sources speaking to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alex Raufoglu, the processing of documents is being delayed at the level of U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffy. Official department representatives declined to comment on the reasons for the halt in the procedure.
Earlier, in September 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that agreements had been reached with U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting in New York. As part of these agreements, the Ukrainian side is negotiating with Raytheon Corporation regarding the creation of an assembly line in the country.
Missile types and shortages
The Ukrainian side is interested in the production of PAC-2 GEM-T type anti-aircraft guided missiles. Meanwhile, more modern PAC-3 series interceptors are produced exclusively by Lockheed Martin. The lack of a sufficient number of interceptors remains a critical problem for Ukrainian air defense.
