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Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, the official manufacturers of interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems, are reportedly concerned about the possibility of Ukraine receiving licenses to produce the weapons, The Atlantic reports.
According to the publication, both companies see such a move as potentially damaging to their business interests. A congressional source told The Atlantic that Lockheed Martin and Raytheon fear Kiev could use access to the licenses to modify the missiles and eventually manufacture them faster, more cheaply and in larger quantities than the US producers.
Even if the US leadership approves the licensing arrangement, however, establishing full-scale Patriot missile production in Ukraine would take several years, according to the report.
The Atlantic says the companies are expected to publicly frame their concerns around the risks of intellectual property theft and the transfer of sensitive technology.
No final decision on the licensing agreement has been made. According to the publication, White House chief Donald Trump has yet to decide whether he will support granting Ukraine the rights to manufacture missiles for the Patriot system.