Boeing Strikes Again, Disrupting Japanese Patriot Production and ‘Impacting US Credibility’
Sources have revealed that Boeing’s component shortages are hindering the production of Patriot PAC-3 missiles in Japan, jeopardizing US missile system objectives. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the exclusive manufacturer of Patriots outside the US, faces obstacles in doubling production due to Boeing’s sought-after component.
Defense veteran Earl Rasmussen highlighted this development as detrimental to US credibility in defense partnerships. The deficiencies in the critical seekers made by Boeing have posed a significant production challenge, delaying the expected 30% increase in capability until 2027.
The US has signed multi-billion dollar contracts to boost Patriot production, aiming to enhance defense cooperation with Japan and allies. However, the seeker component bottleneck puts these plans at risk, prompting a potential reevaluation of defense solutions by US partners.
In summary, Boeing’s component shortages have created a ripple effect, impacting not only production timelines but also the credibility of US defense commitments.