Ukraine is working to develop a local manufacturing base for Patriot air defense interceptors and is looking at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as a key partner. Zelenskyy said Mitsubishi demonstrates a “very high level of production” of Patriot missiles, and he pointed to it as the clearest model of how a state can deploy its own production following an American licensing arrangement.

The reporting says Ukraine wants a formal technical exchange and potentially production cooperation, but emphasizes that the initiative is conditional on the Japanese side’s decision. It is framed as part of Ukraine’s broader effort to expand and strengthen its defense industrial capabilities as it tries to counter long-range threats to its airspace.

The move follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement that Washington would license Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles, with the implication that the availability of a license and technical guidance would make partnerships with experienced manufacturers like Mitsubishi more practical.