The USA 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. The stocks of these armaments are being depleted due to the wars in Iran and Ukraine.
This is reported by Reuters.
The USA will increase the 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 worth over $3 billion. This contract follows a week-earlier announcement of a deal with Lockheed, 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 increase in the output of THAAD systems. Furthermore, the agreement includes the establishment of a second source for PAC-3 solid rocket motors and an expansion of igniter device production.
According to estimates from the Washington-based analytical center, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the US Army currently possesses fewer than 1,000 Patriot interceptors and fewer than 250 THAAD interceptors. Both systems have been extensively utilized 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 also in urgent need of these armaments, facing a chronic shortage of such munitions. Patriot missiles remain the sole weaponry 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 increase 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
We remind you that Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that Ukraine is actively working with partners from the USA and Europe on supplying new air defense support packages, as well as preparing for the expansion of production and localization of Western armaments.
Earlier, we 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 technology.
Consequently, this decision by the American leader was sharply criticized in Congress.
Meanwhile, negotiations regarding the establishment of Patriot missile production in Ukraine are ongoing, but swift results should not be expected. It is unlikely that the parties will manage to sign a long-term contract by winter, and the launch of the factories themselves will take even more time.
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