Lockheed Martin to Boost Patriot Missile Output to 2,000 Annually

Lockheed Martin plans to significantly increase the production of its Patriot missile interceptors, raising its annual output from 600 to 2,000 units. This announcement was made on Tuesday following an agreement with the US Department of Defense to expedite the production and delivery of the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors over the next seven years. The decision comes as demand for air defense systems surges globally, driven largely by recent military conflicts.

The new agreement will enhance the annual production capacity of the PAC-3 interceptors, which are critical for both the US military and its allies. Lockheed Martin’s CEO, Jim Taiclet, emphasized the company’s commitment to creating “unprecedented capacity for PAC-3 MSE production,” stating that the initiative aims to meet the urgent demands of the nation and its partners.

Global Demand for Air Defense Systems

The escalation of missile attacks during conflicts such as Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and various Middle Eastern confrontations has elevated the need for effective air defenses. The American-made MIM-104 Patriot air defense system has become central to these efforts, providing crucial protection against missile strikes. In Ukraine, the Patriot system serves as a vital component of an air defense network predominantly reliant on Western technology.

The US military has also employed the Patriot system to counter threats from Iranian missile attacks. As a result of intense operational activity, concerns have been raised regarding the sustainability of existing stockpiles for both US and allied forces.

Lockheed Martin has already increased its PAC-3 MSE production by over 60% in the past two years, delivering 620 interceptors in 2025, which marks a 20% rise compared to the previous year. The company currently supplies 17 countries with its PAC-3 interceptors, viewing the MSE variant as a critical element of both US and European missile defense strategies.

Strategic Shift in Defense Procurement

The agreement announced by Lockheed Martin is aligned with the Pentagon’s newly introduced Acquisition Transformation Strategy. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth outlined this strategy in November, emphasizing the need for increased production capacity of essential weapons and munitions.

Hegseth indicated that the Pentagon intends to award longer contracts for proven systems, allowing defense contractors to invest more significantly in their production capabilities. The framework agreement sets the stage for negotiating a seven-year supply contract, which will require Congressional approval before it can be finalized.

“This framework agreement marks a fundamental shift in how we rapidly expand munitions production and magazine depth, and how we collaborate with our industry partners,” stated Michael Duffey, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment. This strategic approach aims to address growing defense needs while ensuring a robust supply chain for air defense systems.

With the global landscape increasingly reliant on advanced air defense solutions, Lockheed Martin’s initiative to boost production reflects not only a response to immediate operational demands but also a long-term commitment to bolstering international security partnerships.