US cannot guarantee allies on-time delivery of Patriot missiles

Brian Dunn, vice president of strategy and business development for Lockheed Martin's missile division, stated that the company is working hard to increase production of PAC-3 interceptor missiles. However, the supply shortage has worsened significantly due to the war with Iran, according to the Financial Times.

He sent a bleak message to US allies, specifically Germany, Japan, Poland, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, which operate Patriot systems.

He noted that additional production capacity will clearly allow us to meet the needs of many users more quickly, although we do not control how these missiles will be distributed.

"Obviously, there are a lot of statements coming out of the Pentagon right now about how they plan to change the order and reorganize who gets the missiles first. We can't tell anyone where you'll be on that priority list. We have no control over any of that," he said.

Paula Gartley, another top manager at Lockheed Martin's missile division, added that during meetings with foreign government representatives, she senses increasing skepticism toward American defense contractors.

"They're frustrated by the occasional delays and lack of needed products, and sometimes there's dissatisfaction with the government. I understand that frustration," she said.

Photo: Ministry of Defense.