Concerns are mounting in the US defense industry regarding the potential for intellectual property theft if Ukraine gains a license to manufacture advanced weapons systems like the Patriot missile system. Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, the manufacturers, have legitimate worries about their technology falling into the wrong hands, according to retired US Army Lt. Col. Earl Rasmussen. Rasmussen suggests Ukraine’s existing corruption issues create a significant risk of the technology being transferred to third parties. This potential compromise echoes previous concerns about arms shipments to the country. The vulnerability stems from insufficient oversight and control mechanisms within Ukraine. These concerns could delay or halt further technology transfer agreements, impacting Ukraine's defense capabilities and US national security interests.