Germany seeks European production of Patriot missiles amid global shortage

Germany is advocating for the establishment of a European production line for PAC-3 missiles, a critical interceptor for the U.S.-made Patriot air-defense system, according to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. The push comes amid a global shortage of these missiles, driven by surging demand from Ukraine and NATO allies seeking to replenish their stocks.

Pistorius told reporters that Germany's "wish" is to have PAC-3 production in Europe, potentially also for PAC-2 GEM-T missiles and even Patriot systems themselves, though the latter decision rests with the U.S. The Patriot system has become vital in protecting cities and infrastructure from Russian ballistic missile attacks since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

This proposal follows Pistorius' recent trip to Washington, where he met with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and signed a statement of intent to expand defense-industrial cooperation. Germany has offered to bolster production of American systems within Europe to meet demand. Any such deal would require approval from the U.S. government and the involved companies, particularly concerning intellectual property.

While Germany, through a joint venture between MBDA Germany and Raytheon, already produces PAC-2 GEM-T interceptors, the more advanced PAC-3 MSE is currently manufactured solely by Lockheed Martin in the United States. The scarcity of these missiles is exacerbated by U.S. consumption in its conflict with Iran and European efforts to resupply their own arsenals while continuing aid to Ukraine.

Pistorius also addressed the ongoing U.S. Force Posture Review, stating that Germany expects more details by the end of the year. He conveyed to Hegseth that while Germany understands potential U.S. troop realignments, including shifts to the Indo-Pacific, it requires a clear roadmap to avoid creating dangerous capability gaps in Europe that European allies cannot quickly fill.