Trump open to licensed production of US weapons in Ukraine and Europe
According to the report, Trump plans to ask US defense contractors to grant production licenses to European and Ukrainian companies.
The proposal is being considered as one way to address the shortage of interceptor missiles for air defense systems that Ukraine uses to shoot down Russian ballistic missiles.
With US weapons stockpiles significantly reduced by the war with Iran and domestic production expansion taking time, the White House sees licensing agreements as a faster way to strengthen the defense capabilities of allied nations.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed that "the issue of specific licenses will be discussed in detail among participating countries." He said the plan involves granting broad licenses to companies with the necessary technical expertise and manufacturing capacity.
French President Emmanuel Macron also said that during the discussions, Trump "insisted on mobilizing the American defense industry and ensuring it has the capacity to supply this equipment."
The United States has traditionally been highly protective of its technology and licensing rights due to concerns about intellectual property and supply chain security. However, some American weapons systems are already manufactured outside the US. Patriot missiles, for example, are produced in Germany.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi said Trump responded positively to Ukraine's proposal for missile assistance and licensing agreements that would allow American weapons to be produced in Ukraine.
According to Zelenskyi, current US production capacity does not fully meet Ukraine's needs, making local licensed production an attractive option for Kyiv.
Speaking after the G7 summit in France, Trump said Washington would consider Ukraine's request for a license to produce interceptor missiles.
"They [Ukraine and Europe] would like to be able to do that, and we'll take a look at it," the US president said.
The leaders of the Group of Seven countries also announced plans to increase deliveries of air defense systems, interceptor missiles, and long-range weapons to Ukraine. They further expressed their willingness to consider granting licenses for weapons production directly inside Ukraine.
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19 of June 2026
