U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth commented on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's request for increased supplies of missiles for Patriot systems. He did not provide a direct answer regarding new deliveries, but stated that Washington would "find a way" to help Ukraine. Hegseth made this statement to journalists on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, UNN reports.
During the conversation with journalists, the Pentagon chief was asked if the U.S. is ready to expand the transfer of Patriot missiles to Ukraine amid constant Russian attacks.
"We are changing the way we produce all of these critical munitions so that our companies are supplying not just a little more, but significantly more across the entire spectrum. Where we can help Ukraine – we have helped, and where we can allow Europe to do more – we have done so," Hegseth stated.
He also emphasized that Washington wants Ukraine to be able to defend itself against Russian strikes.
"We want them to be able to defend themselves, and we will find a way to help them do that,"
The U.S. is studying the Ukrainian experience of drone warfare
Separately, Hegseth emphasized that the U.S. is actively studying the Ukrainian experience of modern drone warfare. According to him, the U.S. budget proposal for 2027 includes $56 billion for the development of "drone dominance."
"We have learned a lot from Ukraine and from how they operate on the battlefield. It's not just about creating complex systems, but about the ability to quickly scale production and adapt every week. That is how fast drone technologies are changing," the Secretary said.
Hegseth noted that the U.S. aims not only to achieve parity in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles but to become the "best in the world."
The Pentagon is moving toward a long-term production ramp-up
At the same time, the head of the Pentagon confirmed that the American military-industrial complex is moving toward a long-term increase in the production of missiles and ammunition.
According to him, companies are receiving signals about multi-year orders for PAC-3, Tomahawk, THAAD, and other systems, which should stimulate the opening of new production lines and factories.
"Now it's not about an additional 100 missiles per year. It's about 3,000 or 6,000 additional units. This is necessary both for our plans and for our allies," Hegseth stated.
He also emphasized that the U.S. is encouraging allies toward joint arms production.
"We can say to our partners: you are wealthy countries capable of producing more in the defense sector, so cooperate with us," the Pentagon chief noted.
As a reminder
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that he has prepared a special letter to U.S. President Donald Trump and Congress requesting the transfer of ballistic missile interceptors.