US moves to dramatically increase production of Patriot PAC-3 missiles
The United States is significantly accelerating the production of PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems (photo: Getty Images)
L3Harris Technologies has signed an agreement with the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin to enhance the PAC-3 missile and increase its production, the company said in a press release.
It is noted that the agreement will allow the United States to significantly increase ammunition production. The new agreement will enable L3Harris to nearly triple its production of PAC-3 missile motors. The contract is expected to be finalized later this year.
"This critical, long-term agreement will allow us to continue to move at unprecedented speed," said Ken Bedingfield, President, Missile Solutions, L3Harris.
The seven-year program includes the production of the upgraded PAC-3 MSE dual-pulse solid rocket motor, attitude control motors, and a lethality enhancer. The lethality enhancer is an explosive device that increases the PAC-3 missile's lethal radius.
In this way, L3Harris is responding to the US Department of Defense's call to accelerate the production of critical munitions by investing billions of dollars and constructing approximately 60 manufacturing and office facilities across the company's production sites.
In addition, Ukraine is discussing with the United States accelerating the delivery of Patriot missiles and launching the joint production of air defense systems. In particular, Ukraine is counting on Japan's support in establishing the production of Patriot systems under a US license.
