Boeing component shortage delays US-Japan Patriot missile production plan

From Investing.com: 2024-07-19 22:05:38

U.S. plan to use Japanese factories to boost Patriot missile production faces delays due to a Boeing component shortage. Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries can double production to 60 annually, but seeks are needed for further expansion. Seeking assistance from allies in increasing supply chain efficiency to support Ukraine’s defense against Russian attacks.

Boeing expanding seeker factory by 30% in the U.S. to increase production by 2027. Seeking to ramp up annual PAC-3 production in Japan beyond 60 would require MHI to build more capacity. Financial help from Japan’s military spending plan only applies to equipment for Self Defense Forces and not for exports.

A $4.5 billion contract with the U.S. Army marks a ramp-up in Patriot missile and seeker production. Japan and U.S. ministers set to meet in Tokyo for talks including deepening industrial cooperation on defense. Even with allies’ support, U.S. struggles with supply chain bottlenecks in meeting Ukraine’s munition demand.

Japan eased military export rules to replenish U.S. Patriot missile stocks, vital for Ukraine. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel seeks deeper military ties to ease U.S. defense contractors. President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida aim to deepen defense industry cooperation to strengthen global security measures amid rising global conflicts.



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