The US is sharply increasing the production of air defense missiles. The Pentagon has signed contracts worth billions of dollars.
Patriot / © Associated Press
The United States has entered into an agreement with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman valued at over $3 billion to boost the manufacturing of components for Patriot and THAAD interceptor missiles. Ammunition stockpiles are being depleted due to conflicts in Iran and Ukraine.
Reuters reports on this development.
US to Increase Production of Patriot and THAAD Missiles: What is Known
It is reported that the Pentagon and Northrop announced on Monday the signing of an agreement exceeding $3 billion. This contract follows a deal with Lockheed announced the previous week, valued at up to $58.6 billion, for the production of Patriot interceptor missiles.
According to a Pentagon statement, the new framework agreements will enable a threefold increase in the production of Patriot missile systems and a fourfold surge in the output of THAAD systems. Furthermore, the agreement includes the establishment of a second source for PAC-3 solid rocket motors and an increase in the manufacturing of arming and firing devices.
Estimates from the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies indicate that the US Army currently possesses fewer than 1,000 Patriot interceptors and fewer than 250 THAAD interceptors. Both systems have been actively deployed in combat operations in the Middle East. Pentagon negotiators were compelled to pressure contractors and enter into advance production contracts earlier this year to expedite the process.
It is noted that Ukraine is in critical need of this weaponry, facing a chronic shortage of such munitions. Patriot missiles remain the sole armament in Ukraine’s arsenal capable of intercepting enemy ballistic missiles.
In addition, the US has concluded a similar framework agreement with the parent company Raytheon (RTX) to scale up the production of Tomahawk cruise missiles from the current rate of approximately 60 units per year to 1,000 units annually.
Production of Patriot Missiles in Ukraine – Latest News
Recall that Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that Ukraine is actively collaborating with partners from the US and Europe on delivering new air defense support packages, as well as preparing for expanded production and localization of Western weaponry.
We previously reported that the administration of US President Donald Trump had not yet granted Ukraine permission to produce missiles for Patriot systems due to concerns about the leakage of classified technologies.
This decision drew sharp criticism from Congress regarding the American leader’s stance.
Meanwhile, negotiations regarding the establishment of Patriot missile production in Ukraine are ongoing, although swift results should not be anticipated. It is unlikely that the parties will finalize a long-term contract before winter, and the launch of the factories themselves will require even more time.
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