Lockheed Martin pushes European missile expansion at NATO summit

US defence group unveils plans for PAC-3 maintenance hub and German ATACMS production with Rheinmetall

Lockheed Martin has announced two European missile projects aimed at expanding NATO air-defence readiness and guided-weapons production.

The U.S defence group said allied governments had agreed to explore a dedicated PAC-3 missile maintenance facility in Europe, as demand rises for air and missile defence systems. It also signed a memorandum of understanding with Rheinmetall to move towards European co-production of ATACMS guided missiles in Germany.

Both announcements were made at the NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum in Ankara.

The PAC-3 agreement involves the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden. Lockheed said the proposed facility would provide in-region maintenance and sustainment for PAC-3 interceptors, helping NATO allies keep missiles ready and deployable.

The facility would support countries operating PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors and PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative interceptors, it added.

Jay Pitman, president of Lockheed Martin International, said: “Industrial cooperation strengthens the transatlantic defense industrial base and contributes to economic progress and shared security.

“For more than 75 years, Lockheed Martin has demonstrated our commitment to being a strategic partner for the defense and security of Europe.

“Today, we are accelerating our work with NATO allies and industry partners to expand integrated air and missile defense capacity, strengthen regional sustainment networks and support the rising global demand for these capabilities.”

The second agreement, with Rheinmetall, is intended to create the first European centre of excellence for the manufacture, integration and distribution of ATACMS across NATO and allied European forces. Lockheed said the project had the support of the United States and German governments.

The companies said ATACMS production would be based at Rheinmetall’s Unterluess site in Germany. The site employs about 4,000 people and already works on weapon systems, ammunition, tracked vehicles and rocket motors.

Rheinmetall said production of rocket motors and guided missile components at Unterluess is scheduled to begin as early as 2027.

Armin Papperger, chief executive of Rheinmetall, said: “Our aim is to strengthen the defence capabilities of Germany and Europe.

“Together with our friends at Lockheed Martin, we are now establishing the industrial base in Germany for modern defence systems, which are in great demand by the armed forces of Europe.

“By establishing ATACMS production at Rheinmetall’s Unterluess site, we are creating new capabilities for Germany and Europe, securing supplies for our customers and strengthening our autonomy in defence policy.

“We are grateful that Rheinmetall has been selected to set up and operate the world’s first and only production facility for ATACMS guided missiles outside the United States.”

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_{Main image: Lockheed Martin}