US to triple production of Patriot missiles under Pentagon contract
Photo: Patriot air defense system (Getty Images)
The United States has decided to significantly accelerate the production of key air defense components, relying on long-term contracts and expanded cooperation with the defense industry, according to a press release from the Pentagon.
Pentagon contract with Lockheed Martin
The US Department of Defense has signed a seven-year framework agreement with Lockheed Martin that envisages a multiple increase in production of interceptor missiles for the Patriot air defense system.
The Pentagon said the deal is a direct outcome of the Department’s new procurement transformation strategy, presented by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in his November Arsenal of Freedom speech.
Boosting PAC-3 MSE production
The agreement is designed to provide long-term demand certainty to scale production of the most advanced Patriot interceptor variant, PAC-3 MSE (Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement).
Production is planned to increase from around 600 missiles per year to approximately 2,000, significantly strengthening air and missile defense capabilities.
Shift in defense procurement
Deputy Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey said the agreement marks a “fundamental shift” in how quickly the Pentagon can expand munitions production and cooperate with industry partners.
The Department added that the deal aligns the interests of Lockheed Martin, the US government, and taxpayers. Lockheed Martin will support investments needed to scale production while benefiting from guaranteed long-term, growing demand for PAC-3 MSE interceptors.
Patriot systems for Ukraine and NATO
Separately, two Patriot air defense systems recently transferred by Germany have already begun protecting Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.
Germany has also completed its air defense mission in Poland and withdrawn its Patriot systems back to German territory, while reaffirming its commitment to continued support for NATO’s eastern flank.
