"Europe Set to Ramp Up Patriot Missile Manufacturing"

NATO has initiated a plan to procure up to 1,000 U.S. Patriot air defense missiles for European nations, with production set to take place in Europe through a contract with COMLOG, a joint venture between RTX and MBDA Missile Systems. Valued at $5.6 billion, the contract aims to enhance NATO's missile stockpiles, which have been depleted due to support provided to Ukraine. The move will also strengthen the European defense industrial base and potentially facilitate further support to Ukraine by freeing up additional missile batches. The decision reflects a strategic shift in response to increased demand for air defense capabilities amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and broader global security challenges.