Germany is seeking US approval to manufacture advanced Patriot air-defence interceptors on its own soil, as rising demand and depleted stocks put pressure on the global supply of the missiles.According to Defense News, German defence minister Boris Pistorius said Germany has offered to manufacture US weapons in Europe, including Patriot interceptors, as part of efforts to expand defence production and ease pressure on American manufacturers.The proposal follows a Germany-US agreement aimed at allowing additional production of US weapons in Germany.Pistorius said Germany could potentially produce PAC-3 MSE and PAC-2 GEM-T interceptors, as well as other components of the Patriot system, including launchers.Germany already has experience in the Patriot supply chain. MBDA Germany is involved in producing PAC-2 interceptors, while Lockheed Martin manufactures the more advanced PAC-3 MSE. Berlin now wants to expand that industrial role to help increase overall production capacity.Patriot shortageThe push to expand Patriot production comes as the US faces a sharp depletion of its interceptor stockpile following heavy use during the Iran conflict.The shortage is particularly significant because Patriot interceptors are also needed by US forces and allies in Europe and the Middle East, while Ukraine has been using the system extensively to counter Russian missile attacks.A US defence official and a Nato official told the Associated Press in August that Patriot stocks among American and Nato forces in Europe had reached a “beyond critical” level.At the same time, replenishing the stockpile is not an immediate process. Defense News reported that CSIS estimates the production timeline for a PAC-3 MSE interceptor at around 42 months.Lockheed Martin, which manufactures the PAC-3 MSE, has said annual production capacity is being increased from around 600 interceptors to 2,000, with the 2,000-per-year target expected by the end of 2030.
