Boeing to break seeker production record amid Patriot missile surge

Boeing and Lockheed Martin are ramping up production to address the rising global demand for Patriot missiles. Boeing, in particular, is set to achieve a new milestone in seeker production this year, thanks to substantial investments and facility upgrades.

Boeing is set to surpass its annual seeker production record for the Patriot missile system this year, Caliber.Az reports citing the local media.

The Patriot program has already exceeded its previous three- and six-month production milestones for the PAC-3 seeker and is on track to exceed its annual record by over 20 per cent by the end of the year.

Production of the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missile, the most advanced variant in the Patriot missile family, is progressing rapidly. In June, the US Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $4.5 billion multiyear contract for 870 PAC-3 MSE missiles and related hardware. This contract is a significant boost to Lockheed Martin, which had been previously funded to produce 550 missiles annually to replace those sent to Ukraine in support of its defense against Russia.

Prior to the Ukraine conflict, Lockheed Martin was producing 350 missiles per year by 2018 and was increasing production to 500 missiles annually. The company is now investing in ramping up production to 650 missiles per year by 2027, anticipating continued demand from the US Army for stockpile replenishment.

Lockheed Martin and Boeing are strengthening their production capabilities to meet the growing demand for Patriot missiles. Boeing, in particular, is set to break its annual seeker production record this year, driven by significant internal investments and improvements in manufacturing efficiency.

Boeing's investment includes a major expansion of its Huntsville, Alabama, facility, adding 35,000 square feet to increase seeker production capacity by 30 per cent. This expansion will introduce advanced efficiencies such as automated inspection systems and robotic soldering, enabling Boeing to meet demand well beyond the planned 650 missile production rate.

Jim Bryan, Boeing’s director of integrated air and missile defense programs, highlighted the company’s strategic investment to align with Lockheed Martin’s plans. Lockheed Martin, which has been awarded a $4.5 billion contract for 870 PAC-3 MSE missiles, has also been working to stabilize its supply chain, ensuring Aerojet Rocketdyne can provide solid-rocket motors and Boeing can supply seekers at the required pace.

Boeing attributes its rapid production ramp-up to several factors, including lean improvements in manufacturing processes, enhanced supply chain stability, and better quality control in product testing. To date, Boeing has delivered over 5,000 advanced PAC-3 seekers to the US Army and international customers, including Ukraine. The PAC-3 missile is utilized by 17 countries worldwide, underscoring its global importance.