A plan to use Japanese factories to boost the production of Patriot air defence missiles for Ukraine faces delays due to a shortage of critical components from Boeing. Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) currently makes about 30 missiles annually and could increase to 60, but a shortage of missile seekers is a major hurdle. The U.S. aims to raise global production from 500 to 750 missiles annually. However, Boeing’s expanded seeker production lines won’t be operational until 2027, causing significant delays.
The production issues highlight challenges in integrating global allies into complex U.S. defence supply chains. While Japan plans to double its military spending, subsidies only apply to equipment for its Self Defense Forces, meaning additional production capacity funding is uncertain. U.S. and Japanese officials are set to discuss industrial cooperation, including the Patriot project, amid ongoing efforts to supply Ukraine’s defence needs.
Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor, and the U.S. government have acknowledged the need for increased production, but the solution remains complex. Supply chain bottlenecks impede efforts to meet the rising demand for air defence systems.
