The West is slowly rebuilding the capacity to produce the consumables of combat at scale. But we need more manufacturing lines down under! ⬇️
Newsweek and numerous news outlets are reporting on Lockheed Martin’s expansion of manufacturing of Patriot PAC-3 MSE variant interceptor munitions, one of the most advanced air defence missiles. Magazine depth or lack thereof has been one of clear challenges for Western nations – particularly the consumables of combat for integrated air and missile defence. As precision strike via drones, cruise and ballistic missiles proliferate, interceptor stocks will be vital:
“Under a seven-year agreement, defense contractor Lockheed Martin will increase its production of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement, or PAC-3 MSE, interceptor from about 600 to 2,000 annually to meet what the Defense Department called “long-term demand” from U.S. forces, allies and partner nations.”
Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordinance Enterprise has been working on building stockpiles and onshore assembly and manufacturing in recent years. But much of the current scope is focused on offensive munitions. Once an Integrated Air and Missile Defence system is chosen for the Australian Defence Force we need to ensure onshore munitions capacity is considered – there are very long queues for existing supply chains. Platforms without surety of supply are not an adequate preparation for large scale combat operations after all. This particularly the case in the Indo-Pacific:
“In the Pacific, the quantity of weapons stockpiled is key for the U.S. military to sustain combat operations across the vast region by defending its warships and land-based facilities, as well as conducting long-range strikes in the event of a conflict with China.”
Let’s see what the National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Plan bring in 2026! Food for thought as always.
📷 via Newsweek, article mentioned and a link to Australia’s current GWEO plan are in the comments.