Lockheed Martin Weighs European Patriot Missile Production Sites

Lockheed Martin is evaluating new European manufacturing partnerships to produce PAC-3 Patriot interceptors, a move intended to bolster regional air defense and potentially address critical shortages in Ukraine. Jason Reynolds, vice president and general manager of Lockheed’s integrated air and missile defense division, confirmed the company is in active discussions regarding production options outside the United States, Defense News reported.

Strategic Production Options for Ukraine

Discussions regarding local production have intensified since Ukrainian officials indicated over the summer that the Trump administration had promised a license for the domestic manufacturing of Patriot interceptors. While Washington has not yet finalized a decision on whether to authorize the production of PAC-2 interceptors, manufactured by Raytheon, or Lockheed’s PAC-3 variants, the company is preparing for potential collaboration.

From a PAC-3 perspective, we’re absolutely willing to talk to Ukraine. It’s really a matter of what’s their industrial capability, what’s the parts availability, those types of things.

Jason Reynolds, Lockheed Martin

Reynolds noted that the company might initially focus on the ACE interceptor variant for Ukraine. It utilizes a single-pulse motor and a blast fragmentation warhead rather than the dual-pulse motor and hit-to-kill mechanics found in the more sophisticated MSE interceptor, making it better suited for simpler aerial threats.

Mitigating Security Challenges in Regional Manufacturing

Establishing a production facility within Ukraine presents significant security challenges. Reynolds highlighted the difficulty of ensuring a factory remains functional under the threat of Russian strikes, noting that the primary concern is whether a plant can be made survivable in an active war zone.

To mitigate this risk, Lockheed is exploring the feasibility of manufacturing components in nearby allied nations. These interceptors could then be transported into Ukraine as needed. Reynolds stated that several countries have expressed interest in producing the ACE variant, which could serve as a model for establishing a supply chain that eventually migrates into Ukraine.

Potential Partnerships in Germany

Germany has emerged as a primary candidate for hosting this production, partly due to existing industrial infrastructure. Raytheon and MBDA already collaborate on the PAC-2 product line within the country. For PAC-3 manufacturing, Lockheed is looking toward a potential partnership with Diehl Defence.

The two companies have been operating under a cooperation agreement regarding interceptor parts since October 2025. A spokesperson for Diehl Defence confirmed that consultations with Lockheed Martin are ongoing and noted that the company is currently expanding production capacity across its sites. This includes a new facility in Lübben, Brandenburg, which holds the necessary licensing for handling explosives due to its history as a military manufacturing site for the former German Democratic Republic.

Regulatory Authority and Future Implementation

Final authority regarding the location of defense production remains with the U.S. government. Lockheed Martin’s leadership emphasized that the company does not have the unilateral power to determine where its sensitive defense technology is manufactured. Any move to produce Patriot equipment abroad requires formal approval from U.S. officials.

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If we can get that started, get the supply chain started and then migrate to Ukraine as an option, that would make a lot of sense to me.

Jason Reynolds, Lockheed Martin