The shortage worrying the West: Germany demands to produce Patriots itself

Germany is demanding that the US approve local production of PAC-3 interceptor missiles in Europe, amid a global shortage of air defense systems and Ukraine's difficulty obtaining missiles against Russia. The German defense minister noted that a framework agreement has been signed, but additional agreements are needed regarding intellectual property and Pentagon approval.

Germany is pressuring the US to approve local production of PAC-3 interceptor missiles in Europe, amid a global shortage of air defense systems. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that a framework agreement recently signed between the countries regarding joint production of American weapons in Europe includes the PAC-3 field, but additional agreements are still needed, mainly on intellectual property issues and approval from the Pentagon, the White House, and the manufacturer, Lockheed Martin. PAC-3 missiles are considered an advanced system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles and are a key component of Ukraine's air defense. Meanwhile, Germany is working to obtain approval for local production of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, after signing a deal to purchase them, but there is a long waiting list.