Boeing is ramping up the production of critical components used in the manufacture of Patriot interceptors to meet the surge in demand for the missile defense system.
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Reuters reported that the Aerospace company said on Wednesday it has been ramping up its production of PAC-3 seekers, a critical component for the Patriot missile defense system.
PAC-3 seekers are essential for guiding the missiles in their final flight stages.
The United States’ plan to boost production of Patriot air defence missiles at Japanese factories hit a roadblock due to shortage of these critical component manufactured by Boeing.
Boeing says that it was on pace to break its annual seeker production record by over 20% by the end of the year.
Mitsubishi of Japan which makes PAC-3 missiles under license from defence contractor Lockheed Martin, plans to increase annual production of the missile system from 30 to 60.
An expansion by Mitsubishi is not possible without additional supply of seekers. Last year, Boeing began expanding its seeker factory in the United States to increase production by 30%, though the new lines would not be operational until 2027.
Patriot missile defense systems are in high demand, with their use in Ukraine to counter Russian attacks and in the Middle East due to the threat from Iran.
Nnamdi Maduakor is a Writer, Investor and Entrepreneur