NATO Summit: The United States and Europe Hold Talks on Joint Missile Production

A new U.S. initiative aims to achieve a dual objective: increasing domestic missile production while strengthening the ability of European allies to replenish their missile inventories.

According to a source cited by Reuters, the United States is holding discussions with Germany and several other European countries on launching a joint production project for Raytheon’s AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, as well as establishing a maintenance facility in Europe for Lockheed Martin’s Patriot PAC-3 missiles.

If implemented, the two projects would free up production capacity at Raytheon and Lockheed Martin facilities in the United States, enabling the two American defense industry giants to further expand their domestic manufacturing output.

The source, who requested anonymity, said that the parties are expected to sign a letter of intent during NATO’s Industry Forum, held on the sidelines of the Alliance’s summit, which is scheduled to take place later on Tuesday in Ankara.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized European allies for relying on the United States for their security. He has continued to pressure them to increase defense spending and purchase more American-made military equipment. On several occasions, he has also threatened to withdraw Washington from the Alliance.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns in Washington over the ability of U.S. defense manufacturers to meet rising demand, as the wars in Ukraine and Iran have significantly depleted American military stockpiles.

President Donald Trump has encouraged the joint production of U.S.-made weapons in cooperation with European partners.