US gives provisional approval for Poland to produce Patriot missiles

Poland has received provisional approval from the US Department of State to manufacture missiles for Patriot air defence systems at facilities belonging to its domestic defence industry, Poland's Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk has said.

Source: Polish news portal RMF24, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The missiles are expected to be produced at facilities operated by the Polish defence industry. "From a military perspective, this would be an important capability for us," Tomczyk said.

"Poland purchases a large amount of equipment abroad and wants the production of components and related maintenance services to be located in Poland," he added.

Efforts to secure the ability to manufacture Patriot missiles in Poland have been ongoing for a long time. Washington was most likely reluctant to share such unique capabilities in the past, but attitudes may now be changing.

Current production of PAC-3 MSE missiles – the latest version, which Poland would manufacture (according to unofficial reports cited by Defence24) – stands at around 700 units per year. The US aims to increase production to 2,000 missiles annually by the end of 2030.

US stockpiles have recently been depleted by the war with Iran, among others. Missiles in the latest configuration have also been supplied to Ukraine, purchased by allies and the US is seeking not only to replenish but also expand its stockpiles. This is one reason Washington is looking for a manufacturing partner.

Quote from Tomczyk: "Initially, the Americans were sceptical about allowing Poland to produce PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems. (...) After we visited the US, I believe everything is now open, and we have received provisional approval from the State Department for the production of missiles for Patriot systems. They will be manufactured by the Polish defence industry. It depends on establishing a consortium of companies to carry out the work; we have such capabilities in Poland."

Details: Germany is also seeking to have these missiles manufactured on its territory.

The Polish military already operates two Patriot batteries and is awaiting delivery of six more. The PAC-3 MSE is the latest missile version, although older variants and alternatives from other manufacturers are also available.

Tomczyk said US officials appear "very interested" in a scenario under which Poland would manufacture long-range missiles for HIMARS systems or Hellfire missiles used, among other platforms, by Apache helicopters.

Background:

• In early May, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, said he saw no indication that deliveries of Patriot batteries would be delayed because of the war in the Middle East.
• In April, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was confident that Ukraine would eventually co-produce anti-ballistic systems with European countries.

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