Pistorius: Germany could help cover Patriot missile shortage, but needs US approval
Photo: German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Germany is continuing talks with the United States over permission to produce PAC-3 interceptor missiles for the Patriot air defense system in Europe. There has been some initial progress, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said, according to the Financial Times.
Pistorius on Patriot missile production
The minister said that last week, during a meeting with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington, he raised the issue of producing PAC-3 interceptors outside the United States.
"We have made clear . . . that we are offering to help meet the enormous demand that has emerged for these and other American systems by establishing production lines in Europe and in Germany," he said.
New agreement with the US
At the same time, Pistorius and Hegseth signed a statement of intent on the joint production of American weapons systems in Europe.
He said that PAC-3 missiles "in abstract terms" fall under the agreement. However, further negotiations are needed.
"Ultimately, it is of course a question of intellectual property. It is also a question of whether the Pentagon and the White House agree, as well as the company," Pistorius explained.
He expressed hope for a positive decision on the important issue.
Tomahawk missile production in Germany
Germany is also pushing the US for permission to produce long-range Tomahawk missiles under license on German territory.
Berlin has reached an agreement with Washington to purchase the missiles. This would allow the German military to strike targets in Russia from German territory.
However, there is a long waiting list for deliveries of the weapons, which are in short supply.
Earlier, it was reported that during a meeting between the Ukrainian and US presidents in New York on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, the sides made some progress on granting Ukraine a license to produce missiles for the Patriot air defense system.
In addition, US company Raytheon, which manufactures missiles for Patriot air defense systems, is ready for them to be produced in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
