Europe Launches Patriot Production
1- 26.09.2025, 9:36
- 5,208
To reduce dependence on the US.
European missile manufacturer MBDA may expand production of Patriot missiles at a new plant in Germany. The company is also ready to produce Patriot launchers.
The announcement was made by the managing director of the company's German unit, Thomas Gottschild, according to Reuters.
Patriot, developed by U.S. defense company Raytheon, remains one of the most advanced air defense systems despite being in service since the 1980s.
The missiles are actively used by Ukraine to defend against Russian attacks and are also bought by Western countries building up their arsenals.
Contract and launch timeline
In 2024, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain signed a 5.1 billion contract to buy up to 1,000 missiles from a joint venture between Raytheon and MBDA.
The construction of the plant in Bavaria is expected to double the world's capacity to produce the modernized PAC 2 missiles, designed to intercept tactical ballistic targets.
"We are on schedule. We plan to start production at the end of 2026 and provide first deliveries in early 2027," Gottschild said.
He did not specify the plant's capacity, citing security concerns, but said the company would be able to handle additional orders.
Capability to produce launchers
Gottschild said MBDA has the technical competence to produce Patriot launchers. The company has previously been involved in their maintenance and repair.
"We can do it. It is just a matter of industrial cooperation between us and Raytheon - and the wishes of the customer, be it the Bundeswehr or other customers," he said.
MBDA is also considering participation in a project to develop a "deep precision strike" missile with a range of more than 2,000 kilometers. The initiative was announced by the UK and Germany in May, but no timeline has yet been set for the project's launch.
"Regardless of the timeline, it is important to move to concrete steps as soon as possible," Gotschild emphasized.
The war in Ukraine has highlighted Europe's dependence on US long-range weapons and prompted the development of its own systems.
The fight against drones
The MBDA is simultaneously developing smaller missiles to intercept low-flying drones like the Russian drones that recently invaded Polish airspace.
The company expects to sign a contract with the German government to develop the DefendAir missile concept by the end of the year.
DefendAir with a range of more than five kilometers is based on MBDA's technology used in the Enforcer system. It is to complement the 30mm cannon in the Skyranger short-range air defense system developed by Rheinmetall.
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