The US Department of State has granted preliminary approval for the transfer of technology to Poland to manufacture anti-aircraft missiles for the Patriot air and missile defense systems. This involves deep localization for producing the latest PAC-3 MSE interceptor missiles at Polish defense industry facilities, according to Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk.
According to the Deputy Minister, Washington shifted its stance following a recent visit by a Polish military delegation to the United States. Previously, the American side was skeptical about transferring such sensitive technologies, preferring to manufacture the missiles exclusively within the US.
“Initially, the Americans were skeptical about Poles being able to produce PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems. However, after our visit to the US, I believe this issue is open: we received preliminary approval from the Department of State. The missiles will be produced by the Polish defense industry within a consortium. From a military standpoint, this will become a crucial strategic capability for us,” Cezary Tomczyk stated.
The main factor that forced Washington to reconsider its technology monopoly policy was a severe global shortage of advanced air defense systems. US stockpiles of interceptor missiles have been significantly depleted due to large-scale deliveries to Ukraine, purchases by other allies, and recent hostilities in the Middle East (specifically, the conflict with Iran).
Currently, the US produces about 700 PAC-3 MSE missiles per year. Washington has set a goal to ramp up production to 2,000 units annually by the end of 2030. Achieving such targets is virtually impossible without leveraging the industrial capacities of reliable allies in Europe.
In addition to Poland, Germany is also actively competing for the right to deploy production of these same missiles on its soil.