Germany to begin domestic production of Patriot missiles by 2027

Germany will begin receiving its first domestically produced Patriot missile interceptors from new national production lines by late 2026 or early 2027, according to German Major General Christian Freuding.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kyiv on July 12, Freuding confirmed that Germany had initiated the construction of its own production facilities for interceptors used in the U.S.-designed Patriot air defence system, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

“We have started building our production lines for missiles of this type in Germany. The first deliveries from these lines will be ready no earlier than 2026—at best—or in early 2027,” he said.

The development marks a significant step toward strengthening Germany’s defence industrial base and enhancing Europe’s strategic autonomy in air defence capabilities.

When asked whether Germany would have full discretion over the use of the domestically produced missiles—particularly in the context of supplying Ukraine—Freuding emphasised that the new manufacturing capacity would be under European control.

“It will be independent. It will be a new production line—a European production line,” he stressed.

The Patriot system, originally developed in the United States, has become one of the key elements of Western air defence support for Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing war. However, its complex supply chain and high demand have often slowed the pace of missile deliveries.

By Khagan Isayev