US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared the "Patriot" interceptor missiles as "the number one need on this planet" amidst rising global demand. However, he emphasized that Washington will prioritize its own defense needs.
In an interview with journalist Brian Kilmead, Rubio responded to Kyiv's requests for more interceptor missiles: "We have already delivered them to Ukraine before, and it's clear the entire world demands more interceptor missiles. They have become the number one need on this planet, not just for Ukraine, but globally," he stated.
Rubio highlighted that the United States must "always look to America first" while continuing to provide military support to Ukraine within its capacities and needs.
Regarding the possibility of granting Kyiv a license to locally produce "Patriot" systems, Rubio mentioned that this option is "under discussion" but ruled it out as a quick fix for Ukraine's air defense system shortages.
He explained that building factories and expanding production capacity would take years, noting that the "Patriot" is a highly complex weapon system, meaning that granting Ukraine a production license will not address its short-term needs.
Rubio expressed hope that ongoing discussions about production will lead to future outcomes.
His statements come as Ukraine intensifies its demands on Western allies to supply more advanced air defense systems, while Washington aims to balance continued support for Kyiv with preserving its stockpiles and defensive capabilities to meet allies' needs.