Defense giant Lockheed Martin recently announced plansover the next 7 years to more than triple production of MSE missiles for Patriot air defense system this concerns growth from 620 missiles manufactured last year to 2,000 missiles annually or over 160 units monthly. Currently a framework agreement with U.S. Department of War is known, with firm contract signing expected subsequently.
However, these aren't all American company plans for expanding production of various missiles. Among everything, Lockheed Martin wants to make more Talon (MIM-401) interceptors for THAAD anti-missile complex, as DefenseArchives reports citing company CEO James Taiclet.
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According to him, in the direction of producing these anti-missiles they'll also work on increasing rates three or even four times Taiclet claims U.S. Department of War requested the company assess such capabilities.
Currently THAAD Talon interceptor production reaches very insignificant 96 missiles annually or just eight units monthly. Three-to-four-fold increase would allow manufacturing up to 288-384 missiles yearly or 24-32 anti-missiles monthly.
Supposedly, on one hand this will allow faster delivery of these interceptors to Saudi Arabia, compensate current American military expenditures, and subsequently create reserves for countering enemies like China.
Regarding Talon anti-missiles, it's still unknown how many years Lockheed Martin might spend expanding their production. But from Defense Express perspective, even production rates of 400 missiles annually is very little considering needs for such weaponry in modern wars.
Especially when there's a vivid example of what Talon interceptor expenditure can be during combat operations in June during the war with Iran lasting 12 days, the U.S used approximately 150 interceptor missiles from THAAD complex. Considering current production rates, replenishing reserves would require more than a year and a half.
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