US unable to increase production of Patriot missiles due to component shortage

A US initiative to leverage Japanese manufacturing capacity for increasing the production of Patriot air defence missiles is facing delays, according to multiple sources.

The shortage of a crucial component, produced by Boeing, is hindering the plan. Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) currently manufactures approximately 30 PAC-3 missiles annually under a license from Lockheed Martin, with the potential to double this output to around 60 missiles per year, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The US aims to ramp up global production from roughly 500 to over 750 missiles annually. However, without additional supplies of the missiles' seekers, which are essential for their guidance during the final flight phase, Japan cannot expand its production capacity.

One industry insider indicated that it might take several years for MHI to increase its output due to this shortage. This situation highlights the broader challenges faced by Washington in integrating international industrial support into its complex supply chains.