European defense manufacturer MBDA has announced it can ramp up Patriot missile production at a new Bavarian factory and potentially produce launchers, given industrial cooperation with Raytheon and customer demand, Reuters has reported.
Patriots are the only systems Ukraine and many European countries possess, except for more powerful equipment, such as THAAD, that can intercept Russian ballistic missiles.
The main question remains—will this new factory secure independence from US State Department approvals, which govern the supply of missiles, components, and systems? European production will reduce supply chain vulnerabilities but may not fully eliminate the reliance on transatlantic permissions.
If the new system skips long decision-making processes, it may reduce Europe’s dependence on “mood swings” from the current US President Donald Trump administration over its position on Russia’s threat.
In 2024, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain laid the foundation for the first European Patriot factory, signing a €5.1 billion contract for up to 1,000 missiles via the Raytheon‑MBDA joint venture. The new Bavarian plant will double global production of PAC‑2 missiles, enhancing Europe’s ability to intercept tactical ballistic threats.
Timeline and importance for Ukraine
“We are on schedule. We are planning to start production at the end of 2026, to ensure first delivery at the beginning of 2027,” Thomas Gottschild, CEO of MBDA Germany, confirmed.
A functioning European line could accelerate Patriot stock replenishment in Europe and indirectly improve deliveries to Ukraine, provided US export approvals.
Expanding MBDA’s missile portfolio
Beyond Patriots, MBDA may join the development of long-range missiles exceeding 2,000 km, a joint UK-Germany project, moving Europe closer to independent long-range strike capabilities. Gottschild stressed, “Regardless of timing, it is crucial to move to concrete steps as soon as possible.”
MBDA is also developing DefendAir, a compact low-altitude drone interceptor, to complement short-range air defense systems like Skyranger. The company can also maintain and repair launchers.
Why now?
Russia’s war in Ukraine exposed Europe’s defense industry vulnerabilities, prompting local production of critical systems. Expanding capabilities in the EU aligns with a broader European defense industrial buildup, from missiles to ammunition, strengthening the continent’s long-term resilience.
In addition, in June 2025, Alexus Grinkevich, the commander of NATO Allied Forces in Europe, warned of the threat of a global military conflict involving Russia and China as early as 2027, BILD reported.
Speaking at a meeting of military officials and defense industry representatives in Wiesbaden, he emphasized that the EU and the US have only 18 months to prepare for a potential war.