In a twist that would make any bargain hunter proud, Ukraine might soon be getting a cut-price Patriot missile system, courtesy of Lockheed Martin. According to Reuters, talks are ongoing for Ukraine to build a new, cheaper Patriot interceptor, the PAC-3 Adapted Capability Effector (ACE) missile, despite Donald Trump casting doubt on the deal. Because nothing says 'desperate search for missile defence' like haggling over blueprints while bombs are falling.

The news agency, citing defence and US government sources, reports that 'no order was given to halt the discussions,' and talks continue with US arms makers and military officials. This is reassuring, given that Ukraine has already proven it can produce cheaper, more effective missiles and drones than its western allies. It's almost as if necessity is the mother of invention, or at least of cost-cutting.

At least 17 people died on Wednesday as Kyiv faced another heavy Russian bombardment. Ukrainian forces, starved of suitable interceptors, couldn't shoot down a single missile. A US official suggested the most feasible option would be making some components in Ukraine and assembling them in Germany, where an older Patriot model is already made and the more advanced PAC-3 is expected to be produced. But Trump has raised security concerns about handing over highly secretive Patriot blueprints in their entirety. Because what's a war without a little intellectual property anxiety?

If everything goes smoothly, Ukraine could see production in a year or more, though new component lines typically take three to seven years after a licensing deal. Lockheed Martin, however, suggested an accelerated timeline for the PAC-3 ACE, claiming that using the same launchers and software would speed up development. The interceptors would cost less than half of a normal Patriot missile, which is great news if you're counting pennies during an invasion.

Meanwhile, Germany's interior minister warned of 'a new level of danger' after a drone carrying explosives was found at Leipzig airport, and a DHL plane was hit mid-flight. German police used a bomb disposal robot to defuse the device. Suspicion has fallen on Russia, given the airport's role as a Nato logistics hub and base for Ukraine's Antonov Airlines. The quadcopter was found near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane, because of course it was.

So, in summary: Ukraine might get cheaper missiles, Germany is on edge about drones, and the war continues with no end in sight. But hey, at least the missiles will be affordable.