Lockheed Martin ramps up PAC-3 missile production, aims to reach 750 units annually

These advanced missiles are used in the Patriot air defence system and play a key role in bolstering national and allied security. To meet the increased output, Lockheed Martin is expanding its manufacturing capabilities and exploring European production partnerships.

Negotiations are ongoing with several European partners to potentially establish missile production facilities across the continent. “We are in talks with European partners, including Diehl, regarding battery supplies, but technical details are not yet finalised,” said the head of the PAC-3 MSE and THAAD programmes.

Potential production sites under consideration include Poland, Denmark, and Spain. According to discussions, Poland may produce launch containers, while Spanish firm Sener could supply actuators, having already contributed similar components for the IRIS-T and GEM-T missile systems.

However, the creation of an additional production line outside the United States remains subject to approval by the U.S. government. “Whether a second production line outside the U.S. will be established depends on the decision of the U.S. government,” Reynolds emphasised.

Lockheed Martin is also significantly increasing production of its tactical surface-to-surface missile systems, including ATACMS, PrSM, GMLRS, and Javelin. HIMARS production has doubled from 48 to 96 units annually, and guided rocket projectile output has reached 14,000 units per year.

In a move to strengthen European defence capabilities, Lockheed Martin and German company Rheinmetall announced an expanded partnership in May. The two firms signed a memorandum to create a European Centre of Excellence for the production and distribution of missiles and related systems.

Led by Rheinmetall, the new centre will operate primarily in Germany and other European countries. The initiative is designed to enhance European security and promote greater strategic autonomy across the region.

Source: Hartpunkt.