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The United States is holding talks with Germany and several other European countries on the possible joint production of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles and the maintenance of PAC-3 missiles for Patriot air defense systems in Europe.
This was reported by Reuters, citing a source, UATV English reports.
The countries are expected to sign a letter of intent on joint production at the NATO defense industry forum on the sidelines of the summit in Ankara later on Tuesday, the anonymous source said.
Both PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems and AIM-120C-8 missiles launched by NASAMS systems and F-16 fighter jets are in high demand in Ukraine to counter Russian attacks.
If both projects are implemented, they could free up production capacity at Raytheon and Lockheed Martin facilities in the United States, allowing the American defense giants to expand domestic production.
In mid-June, U.S. President Donald Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to remove bottlenecks in weapons supplies and the development of munitions and supply chains. The move followed growing concern in Washington over the ability of U.S. arms manufacturers to meet demand, as both the war with Iran and the war in Ukraine have depleted U.S. weapons stockpiles.
Trump has also encouraged the joint production of American weapons with Europe.
Earlier, media outlets, citing sources, reported that Germany is pressing the United States to allow more American weapons to be manufactured on German territory.
The source said the discussions cover “everything” that could help both countries strengthen their defense capabilities, including the joint production of long-range Tomahawk missiles and the most advanced Patriot air defense interceptors, known as PAC-3.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed plans to increase the production of American weapons in Germany.
As previously reported, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would consider Ukraine’s request for a license to produce interceptor missiles.
Read also: Trump Believes That Putin Is “Under Pressure” and “Wants to End the War”
