The US Army awards Lockheed Martin a contract worth up to $58.6 billion to expand production of Patriot interceptor missiles, according to multiple reports citing Reuters. The agreement is described as a seven-year procurement programme running from the 2026 financial year through 2032. It is intended to rebuild interceptor missile stockpiles that are described as being depleted as the US supports military operations related to Iran and provides assistance to Ukraine.
The deal is presented as replacing a shorter, one-year contract worth about $4.7 billion issued by the Army in April. The contract supports production of PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors, which are designed to engage aircraft as well as ballistic and cruise missiles. The reports also frame the procurement as part of broader efforts by the Pentagon to accelerate output to address concerns about munitions availability. One outlet notes that production increases are pursued despite political skepticism about stockpile depletion.
