Kellogg explained what slows the transfer of the Patriot license to Ukraine

The transfer to Ukraine of a license to produce missiles and components for Patriot air defense systems depends not only on the decision of the US government, but also on the consent of American defense companies. Manufacturers fear the transfer of sensitive technologies, but Ukraine, according to former US special representative Keith Kellogg, is capable of producing such missiles faster and possibly better than American enterprises.

Kellogg stated that the license issue must be agreed between the US government and the companies producing Patriot components. First and foremost, this concerns American defense giants Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.

According to him, manufacturers are seriously concerned about the potential loss of confidential information. Therefore, further progress of the deal will depend on the level of cooperation and trust between the American and Ukrainian sides. At the same time, Kellogg emphasized that the US has already transferred Patriot technologies to allies, in particular Japan.

“I hope we can do it with Ukraine as well, because I believe Ukraine can do it faster and probably better,” — said Kellogg.

He noted that he does not yet have a final answer on the prospects for the license. After returning to the US, Kellogg intends to discuss the issue with American officials and industry representatives. In his assessment, the possibility of reaching an agreement remains.

Problems with the implementation of the agreement arose after US President Donald Trump publicly promised in July to provide Ukraine with a license to produce Patriot interceptor missiles. At that time, manufacturing companies had not yet been preliminarily involved in coordinating the decision.

Later, representatives of the American defense sector made it clear that negotiations are only at an early stage. The Pentagon simultaneously stated that it is considering several options for organizing production, but launching a Ukrainian line will require certifying the local supply chain and resolving access to necessary components and technologies.

In mid-August, Defense News reported that the deal’s progress slowed amid the cautious stance of Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. According to the publication, possible reasons included not only risks of intellectual property leaks, but also concerns among American manufacturers that Ukrainian defense industry could produce improved interceptors faster and cheaper than existing production lines in the US.

Kellogg himself does not claim that commercial competition is an established cause of the delay. In the interview, he primarily spoke directly about manufacturers’ concerns regarding confidential information and the need for agreement between the government and companies.

Thus, Washington’s political decision is not sufficient for a rapid launch of Patriot production in Ukraine: it is necessary to coordinate technology transfer with manufacturers, create and certify a supply chain, and determine a specific model of joint production.

Based on materials: Keith Kellogg interview, Censor.NET, Breaking Defense, Defense News