Ukraine wants more PAC-3 missiles for its Patriot systems and more places to service its F-16 fighters, the country’s Defense Ministry said after talks with Lockheed Martin.
Defense Minister Evgeniy Khmara and armed forces commander-in-chief Mykhailo Drapatyi met with Orlando Sanchez Jr., president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, who led the company’s delegation.
The discussions covered steady weapons deliveries and the work needed to keep F-16s in service. Ukraine is seeking maintenance at additional locations, including locally, according to the ministry.
“The F-16 is part of Ukrainian aviation. Ukraine is committed to a long-term partnership with Lockheed Martin,” Khmara said.
He called for increased arms deliveries and efforts to keep as many of the fighters as possible operating in Ukrainian skies.
The ministry described F-16s as one of Ukraine’s main means of fighting Russian jet-powered drones. Their effectiveness in that role has not been independently verified for this report.
For defense against ballistic missiles, Ukrainian officials emphasized the need for larger supplies of PAC-3 interceptors. The missiles are used in Patriot air defense systems.
Lockheed Martin’s equipment is already in use in Ukraine, the ministry said, citing HIMARS rocket systems alongside the fighters and interceptors.
Ukraine offered to share its experience from combat to help improve the company’s weapons and said it was looking to work with Lockheed Martin for years to come.
The statement did not specify how many additional missiles Ukraine sought or identify the proposed maintenance locations.
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