The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) granted USD 505 million to address the rising demand for these systems, which have demonstrated their effectiveness in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The US Army had originally sought USD 250 million, but lawmakers recognised the strategic importance of accelerating production and modernisation efforts.
These funds will expedite the production of Patriot systems and re-establish manufacturing capabilities for the Stinger, which has not been produced since 2007. Both systems are increasingly sought after by US allies, underscoring their critical role in modern defence strategies and the broader international demand for advanced missile technology.
Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of PAC-3 MSE missiles for the Patriot system, had previously announced plans to increase production from approximately 500 units per year to 650 by mid-2027. The additional funding may enable the company to achieve this target sooner, bolstering the availability of these precision-guided systems.
The Stinger presents a more complex challenge due to its production hiatus. Current efforts focus on refurbishing and upgrading existing missiles, replacing outdated components with modern alternatives. This includes adapting the Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU), initially designed for the Javelin anti-tank system, for Stinger compatibility. Testing for this adaptation, which began in 2021, has yielded promising results.
Separately, work is ongoing to develop a next-generation successor to the Stinger. RTX and Lockheed Martin received USD 418 million and USD 311 million, respectively, in 2023 to fund this initiative. The results of these efforts are expected to undergo evaluation in 2028.