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The G7 countries and the United States have agreed to provide licenses that would allow Ukraine to manufacture not only air-defense systems but also long-range strike weapons, according to the joint statement released after the G7 summit in France.
Under the plan, Western partners intend to support weapons production in Ukraine through licensing agreements with American and European defense companies. According to diplomatic sources at the summit, the initiative could include the local production of long-range missiles and other advanced strike capabilities.
The G7 leaders pledged to increase deliveries of:
- Air-defense systems;
- Interceptor missiles;
- Long-range strike weapons;
- Additional military equipment needed for Ukraine’s defense.
The statement also confirmed the group's readiness to grant licenses that would help expand Ukraine’s domestic defense industry.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said U.S. companies could transfer licenses to European manufacturers, which would then cooperate with Ukrainian industry. He noted that current production levels are insufficient and that licensing arrangements would allow weapons output to increase more rapidly.
The initiative is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to produce critical military equipment at home, improve long-term defense capabilities, and reduce dependence on external supply chains.
The issue was discussed during the G7 summit alongside efforts to reinforce Ukraine’s air defense and expand its indigenous weapons production. Earlier, the United Kingdom also announced the delivery of thousands of Martlet anti-drone missiles, some of which are already being used by Ukrainian forces.
