Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall to Co-Produce Missiles in Europe

During a Defense Industry Forum at the NATO Summit in Ankara, Lockheed Martin Corporation and Rheinmetall AG signed a memorandum of understanding to co-produce Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) munitions in Europe. This joint venture, supported by the United States and German governments, establishes the first European center of excellence for ATACMS manufacturing, integration, and distribution. Production of rocket motors and guided missile components is expected to begin as early as 2027 at Rheinmetall's Unterluess facility in Germany, while existing production will continue in Camden, Arkansas, until the transition is complete.

Simultaneously, the United States announced a partnership with Lockheed Martin and the governments of Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden to create a PAC-3 missile maintenance center in Europe. The center will provide regional maintenance, repair, and overhaul of PAC-3 interceptors to increase operational readiness. While a specific site has not been determined, U.S. officials indicated an openness to producing these missiles outside U.S. borders. Reports also suggest potential future co-production of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles in Europe.

Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that the PAC-3 hub is critical for NATO allies and Ukraine's defense against Russian attacks, noting that the move expands Europe's defense industrial base following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The initiative follows Poland's recent donation of Patriot interceptors to Ukraine at the request of U.S. and NATO commanders.