Why U.S. refuses license for Patriot missile production in Europe, expert explains

American weapons manufacturers are holding back licenses for European production of Patriot missiles because they consider European defense budgets insufficient.

Such an opinion was voiced on the air of the KYIV24 TV channel by Serhiy Kuzan, Head of the Ukrainian Center for Security and Cooperation.

Despite some growth in security spending, the EU’s pace of rearmament remains too slow to match the threat from Russia. The US defense sector sees no economic advantage in transferring the technology without guaranteed long-term orders.

Europe not ready for large-scale war

Analytical centers, including RAND Corporation, confirm the warning: no European country can currently fight at Ukraine’s level. Kuzan said that even under a hypothetical ceasefire, Russia could rebuild its forces faster than Europe could prepare for a potential attack on Poland or Germany.

«Europe is not ready, and will remain unready for at least the next two years, despite current efforts. That is why American arms manufacturers are not granting licences — they do not see the prospect or the necessary spending, ” Kuzan said.

U.S. economic pragmatism

The expert said the issue of licenses is directly linked to the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative. The U.S. is ready to supply much more weaponry, but there are nuances.

«Americans can supply far more weapons, but this requires increased spending. Of course, this is in the U.S. interest: buy more weapons from us. There is a priority procurement initiative, but its funding is currently insufficient, ” concluded Kuzan.