PAC-3 and PAC-2 GEM-T are interceptor missiles fired by Patriot air-defense batteries to destroy incoming threats. Patriot has become crucial since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as the system is used to protect cities and critical infrastructure from Russian ballistic missile attacks.
The German proposal follows Pistorius’ trip to Washington last week, where he met U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and signed a statement of intent aimed at expanding defense-industrial cooperation between the two countries.
Pistorius said Berlin had offered to help meet rising demand for American weapons by bringing more production to Germany and elsewhere in Europe.
“The idea is to help meet the enormous demand that has emerged for this and other American systems by setting up production lines in Europe and in Germany,” he said.
Any deal would still require U.S. government approval and agreement from the companies involved, including over access to closely guarded American intellectual property.
Germany already produces PAC-2 GEM-T interceptors through COMLOG, a joint venture between MBDA Germany and U.S. company Raytheon. The PAC-3 MSE, another key missile for the Patriot system, is currently made by Lockheed Martin in the United States.