Bavarian factory to produce Europe's first Patriot missiles

A new factory in Schrobenhausen, Bavaria, is being established to become Europe’s first production site for Patriot missile components. The project is a joint venture between the American company Raytheon and the German defense group MBDA, with work having commenced in 2024.

The facility is slated to produce the PAC-2 GEM-T, an older variant of the Patriot missile that utilizes proximity detonation rather than direct impact. This model is noted for its utility in high-volume interception scenarios, such as those seen in the conflict in Ukraine. The plant has already secured orders for 1,000 missiles, with interest from the German Bundeswehr as well as Spain, the Netherlands, Romania, and Sweden. Some of the production is expected to support Ukraine’s defense needs.

Separately, the German defense firm Rheinmetall is reportedly seeking a partnership with Lockheed Martin to produce the more advanced PAC-3 missiles in Germany. The PAC-3 variant offers higher precision and is specifically designed for intercepting ballistic missiles, though discussions regarding this specific production line have not yet reached a definitive conclusion.