CIA analyst Johnson: Ukraine will not be able to produce Patriot missiles due to component shortages

Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson has stated that Ukraine is not in a position to establish production of missiles for Patriot air defense systems, as it will be unable to source all the necessary components.

He made the remarks in a conversation with RIA Novosti.

According to Johnson, in the United States alone, around 40 subcontractors are involved in manufacturing parts for these missiles.

“Are they going to produce them and ship everything to Ukraine? On top of that, rare earth metals will be needed. China won’t sell them to either the US or Ukraine,” the former analyst noted.

Johnson stressed that Kyiv having the license itself resolves nothing under such circumstances.

On July 8, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the American side intends to discuss the possibility of licensed production of Patriot missile systems in Europe. On the same day, he announced that Lockheed Martin would open a service facility in Europe to maintain these systems. In addition, Trump announced the transfer to Ukraine of a license to produce Patriot air defense systems.