US faces problem trying to increase production of Patriot missiles in Japan

The sources noted that the US plan to use Japanese factories to increase the production of missiles for the Patriot system, which Ukraine uses to defend itself against Russian attacks, is being postponed. The reason for this is the lack of missile homing systems. This component is supplied by Boeing.

The United States wants to increase the production of anti-aircraft missiles from 500 per year to 750.

Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries already produces about 30 missiles a year under license from defense contractor Lockheed Martin and could increase that number to 60.

“It could take several years before Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is able to raise output,” one source told Reuters.

In addition, even with a sufficient number of homing systems, the Japanese company would also have to increase production capacity. In 2022, the Japanese government said it was ready to provide financial assistance to defense companies that want to expand production. However, it is about assistance for companies that work for the needs of Japan itself, not for export.

According to the newspaper, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries or the United States will have to find funds to build an additional plant on their own, and this could cost tens of millions of dollars.

Patriot for Ukraine

In the spring of 2023, Ukraine received the American Patriot air defense system for the first time from its partners. This is a modern air defense system that is capable of shooting down ballistic missiles used by Russia to attack Ukraine.

Against the backdrop of intensified Russian attacks, Ukraine called on its partners to provide additional systems. Thus, Germany provided Ukraine with a third Patriot system. It arrived in Ukraine in early July.

Romania and the Netherlands have also announced that they plan to provide Ukraine with their air defense systems.

According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 25 Patriots are needed to completely “close” Ukraine's skies.