Lockheed Martin in ‘Deep’ Overseas Patriot Production Talks as Ukraine Eyes Domestic Output
Lockheed Martin is in advanced talks over PAC-3 production outside the US as demand triples, while expanding autonomous helicopters, a microwave “drone killer” and a lower-cost interceptor.
Lockheed Martin is engaged in advanced discussions with allied nations concerning the production of PAC-3 air-defense interceptors outside the United States, as global demand for the missiles has tripled, according to Dan Tenney, the company’s Senior Vice President for Global Business Development and Strategy. The US defense corporation is allocating up to $9 billion through 2030 to expand missile production, bolster supply chains, and establish new facilities to meet the growing global need.
While Kyiv Post inquired about Ukraine's potential role in PAC-3 production and the speed of cooperation, Tenney emphasized that negotiations are ongoing, and specific details have not been disclosed. The executive reiterated that Lockheed Martin aims to significantly increase production capacity for both PAC-3 and PAC-3 ACE, a more cost-effective variant, globally.
The PAC-3 interceptor, known for its advanced seeker technology and unparalleled precision, is designed to target ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, advanced aircraft, and other airborne threats, which have become increasingly vital for Ukraine as Russia continues to employ ballistic missiles and high-speed weapons against Ukrainian cities.
President Volodymyr Zelensky recently confirmed that US President Donald Trump had granted political approval for Ukraine to pursue domestic production of Patriot missile interceptors, a decision initially proposed by Trump in July. Lockheed Martin is also expanding its production capacity at home and abroad, exploring locations for a missile maintenance facility in Europe, and investing in innovative solutions to counter drone attacks, such as the MORFIUS X-Rotor autonomous counter-drone aircraft and an AI-driven counter-drone battle-management architecture.
The company's U-Hawk, an autonomous aircraft derived from the Black Hawk helicopter, is set to fly later this year, showcasing Lockheed Martin's commitment to autonomy in its best-known aircraft.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
