US to build PAC-3 missile facility in Europe
A senior official from Washington said that the United States would establish a facility in Europe to maintain Lockheed Martin’s advanced PAC-3 air defence missile. Washington did not rule out producing the missile elsewhere.
The U.S. spoke to reporters on the sidelines the NATO summit at Ankara. Michael Duffey, the Undersecretary of Defence, said that it is not yet known where the maintenance facility will be located.
Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden have joined forces with U.S. defence company Lockheed to develop the PAC-3 missiles that are used in Patriot air defence'systems. These weapons, in short supply, are highly coveted in Ukraine.
Duffey stated that the move was intended to increase the availability, reduce repair timelines and strengthen operational readiness throughout the alliance.
He said that he would be open to the possibility of the PAC-3's production outside the U.S.
The AMRAAM AIM 120 CO-PRODUCTION MOVING CLOSER
PAC-3 missiles require regular maintenance.
Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain signed a EUR5.1billion ($5.98billion) contract in 2024 to buy up to 1,000 PAC-2 missiles that are less advanced.
The PAC-2 missiles are designed to intercept tactical ballistic missiles and will be'manufactured' at a new MBDA facility in southern Germany. This doubles the production capacity of the PAC-2.
Production is expected to begin at the end 2026 with the first deliveries beginning in 2027. MBDA provides maintenance services for the PAC-2.
The U.S. also took a big step towards establishing a co-production program for Raytheon’s AIM-120 AMRAAM in Europe. This initiative?involves Belgium, Canada Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, and Britain.
Uncertainty surrounds the location of an AMRAAM facility in Europe and when such a deal could be made.
TRUMP'S PURGE FOR HIGHER EUROPEAN DEFENCE SPENDING
Both projects, if implemented, could allow Raytheon and Lockheed Martin to increase production in their U.S. defence giants.
Both PAC-3 and AIM-120C-8, launched by NASAMS systems air defence as well as F-16 fighter jets are in high 'demand in Ukraine, where Kyiv is fighting off Russian attacks ever since Moscow invaded the country in?2022.
Donald Trump, the U.S. president, has repeatedly criticized European allies who rely on America for their security. He also urged them to increase defence spending and purchase more U.S.-made equipment. He has also threatened to "pull Washington out" of NATO.
Trump invoked the Defense Production Act in mid-June to address restrictions on weapons supply, development and supply chains.
As a result of the conflict in Ukraine and the war with Iran, Washington was concerned about the ability of U.S. manufacturers to meet the demand. Reporting by Sabine Siebold, Editing by Linda Pasquini and Aidan Lewis
(source: Reuters)
