Germany plans to expand production of Patriot missiles – Reuters
MBDA plans to expand production of Patriot interceptor missiles in Germany at a new plant under construction in Bavaria, Reuters reports.
The launch of the enterprise should double the global production of PAC 2 missiles, which are modified to intercept tactical ballistic missiles.
In 2024, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain signed a €5.1 billion ($5.98 billion) contract to purchase up to 1,000 missiles from the Raytheon-MBDA joint venture.
The German division of MBDA stated that work is on schedule, and the first deliveries of missiles from the new plant are expected in 2027.
"We are on schedule. We are planning to start production at the end of 2026, to ensure first delivery at the beginning of 2027," said the division's managing director, Thomas Gottschild.
He did not disclose the plant's production capacity, citing safety concerns, but said the company would be able to handle additional orders.
"Should orders surpass a certain threshold, we are also ready to invest in additional production capacity," Gottschild said.
When asked whether MBDA would be able to produce Patriot launchers in the future, Gottschild replied that the company had the necessary technical expertise.
"We can do it. It is just a question of industrial cooperation between us and Raytheon — and the wishes of our customer Bundeswehr, or other clients requesting the production of launchers," he noted.
In addition, MBDA is developing small missiles that can be used to shoot down drones flying low and at low speed.
"We hope to sign the development contract with the German government for the concept DefendAir missile by the end of the year," Gottschild said.
The company expects the first deliveries of anti-drone missiles to take place in a few years.
It is noted that the DefendAir missile, with a range of over five km, is based on MBDA's own developments. It is intended to complement the 30 mm cannon in Rheinmetall's Skyranger short-range air defense system.
Asked about MBDA's role in developing a "deep precision strike" missile with a range of more than 2,000 km (1,242 miles) - a project announced by the UK and Germany in May - Gottschild said he expected the company to be involved in the work, along with others. He did not give a timeline for when development would begin.
"Irrespective of the timeline, it is important that we start as soon as possible to get more concrete," he stressed.
It was previously reported that the United States has agreed to sell Ukraine equipment for servicing Patriot systems worth $179 million. The list includes classified and unclassified spare parts, software with updates, system modifications, test equipment, communications equipment, as well as a number of services.