The US faced a shortage of equipment for the production of Patriot missiles
22 July 2024 12:05
A US plan to use Japanese factories to boost production of Patriot anti-aircraft missiles, which Ukraine uses to defend against Russian attacks, is being delayed by a shortage of a critical component manufactured by Boeing. This is reported by Reuters, reported by "Komersant Ukrainian"
Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) already produces about 30 PAC-3 missiles for the Patriot each year under license from defense contractor Lockheed Martin and may increase that number to about 60.
Overall, the U.S. hopes to increase global production from about 500 to more than 750 missiles a year as soon as possible.
However, the expansion of production in Japan is impossible without additional supplies of missile guidance systems that guide them in the final stages of flight. These systems are manufactured by Boeing, and their shortage is the main obstacle.
“It may take several years before MHI can ramp up production” because of the shortage, an industry source said.
Boeing last year began expanding its US guidance systems plant to increase production by 30%, but the additional lines will not be operational until 2027.
Lockheed Martin said it is increasing production of Patriot interceptors in the US from 500 to 650 by 2027. Each rocket costs about 4 million dollars.
Even with sufficient guidance systems, expanding Japan’s annual PAC-3 production beyond 60 units would require MHI to build additional capacity. It can cost tens of millions of dollars or more.
In December 2023, Japan relaxed rules on the export of military equipment to help replenish the American stockpile of Patriot missiles that were used to aid Ukraine. US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel called it a “historic decision” and is in favor of deepening military-industrial ties with Japan.
