The U.S. Plans to Significantly Increase Production Capacity of the "Patriot" Missiles and the "THAAD" System

On August 3, Xinhua News Agency reported from Washington (reporters Yang Ling and Xiong Maoling) that the U.S. Department of Defense announced on the 3rd that it has reached two framework agreements with Northrop Grumman Corporation and Lockheed Martin Corporation to increase the production capacity of the "Patriot Advanced Capability-3" missile and the "THAAD" missile defense system.

The Pentagon stated in a press release that these two framework agreements will enable the production of the "Patriot Advanced Capability-3" missile to double and the production of the "THAAD" missile defense system to triple by expanding the capacity of key missile interceptor components, thereby stabilizing the interceptor system supply chain.

According to the statement, the framework agreements will establish a second source of supply for the solid rocket motors of the "Patriot Advanced Capability-3" missile and increase the production of missile ignition safety devices; they will also triple the production of structural components for the "THAAD" missile defense system, including key components such as the mid-body shell, launch tube covers, and rail assemblies.

According to multiple U.S. media reports, the U.S. military's inventory of air defense missiles has been significantly depleted due to the conflict with Iran. A recent report released by the Center for Strategic and International Studies indicates that the U.S. military's inventory of "Patriot" air defense missiles and "THAAD" air defense missiles has been depleted by over 60% and 40%, respectively.