U.S. Plans to Authorize Overseas Weapons Production to Supplement Stockpiles

Reference News Network reported on June 21 According to a report by Bloomberg News on June 17, several informed officials revealed that U.S. President Trump plans to ask American defense contractors to produce weapons in Europe and Ukraine.

During the G7 summit held in Évian, France, when asked about the plan, Trump stated, "The relevant companies are willing to advance this matter, and we will conduct an assessment on it."

Ukraine urgently needs air defense equipment, especially interceptors capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, which are currently only manufactured by the United States. An official, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that due to the U.S. military's extensive ammunition stockpiles being depleted in operations against Iran, and the long lead time required to expand production capacity, Trump has indicated to allies that he will explore the feasibility of foreign production licensing.

German Chancellor Merz stated to reporters on the 17th, "The participating countries will discuss in detail the special production licenses involved, and the relevant plan indeed includes fully opening production licenses for American companies to European manufacturers."

As the host of this G7 summit, French President Macron confirmed at the closing press conference that Trump is "fully mobilizing American defense contractors to ensure the supply capacity of such equipment."

The U.S. has previously authorized the production of weapons overseas, such as manufacturing the "Patriot" air defense missile in Germany. However, due to considerations of intellectual property protection and supply chain security, the U.S. has always maintained strict controls over production licensing agreements.

Despite concerns about the urgent shortage of related ammunition stockpiles, the U.S. continues to deliver air defense equipment procured by Europe and Canada through a NATO coordination mechanism known as the "Ukraine Priority Needs List."

The G7 summit that concluded this week is widely seen as an unexpected boon for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelensky met with Trump, and all participating allies, including the United States, jointly signed a positively worded joint statement, with Trump even expressing a willingness to increase sanctions against Russia.

Merz pointed out, "All our countries are now facing the problem of insufficient production capacity, and opening production licenses to companies with the necessary production capabilities can fill the capacity gap, with cooperation partners including both European and Ukrainian companies." (Translated by Xu Yanhong)