Breaking News
Germany Enhances Patriot Missile Production Capacity With New MBDA Facility in Europe.
MBDA Germany has initiated the expansion of its facilities in Schrobenhausen, Bavaria, with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by prominent figures, including German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, MBDA Germany CEO Thomas Gottschild, and Luftwaffe Inspector General Ingo Gerhartz. This strategic investment aims to enhance production capabilities for key defense systems, including Patriot PAC-2 GEM-T missiles, PARM anti-tank mines, and Enforcer anti-tank missiles.
The MBDA facility in Schrobenhausen, Germany, will become the first in Europe to produce Patriot missiles. (Picture source: US DoD)
The MBDA facility in Schrobenhausen, Germany, will become the first in Europe to produce Patriot missiles, specifically the GEM-T model. This initiative follows a $5.5 billion contract awarded to COMLOG, a joint venture between Raytheon and MBDA, to establish a Patriot missile production capacity in Germany. This decision aims to strengthen supply security and contribute to replenishing the Patriot missile stockpiles of European nations.
With a total investment of €250 million, the expansion includes the construction of a 31,000-square-meter production hall and a 1,400-square-meter bunker with a storage capacity of 80 tons. Scheduled for completion by September 2026, this facility will represent a significant milestone as Europe’s first Patriot GEM-T missile production site. This development also reflects MBDA’s commitment to bolstering its global manufacturing capacity to meet increasing defense demands.
Thomas Gottschild, CEO of MBDA Germany, highlighted the project's significance, stating: “Our commitment is firmly directed toward Europe’s security and, in particular, supporting defense efforts in Ukraine. This investment will enable MBDA to grow by 25% over the next three years, creating approximately 300 new jobs.” He also emphasized the importance of close cooperation between industry and government, stressing that investments rely on continued contracts and public support.
The ceremony underscored the facility's role in addressing Germany’s "Zeitenwende" or strategic turning point in defense. Minister Pistorius acknowledged the site as one of Europe’s most advanced technological centers for missile systems and air defense. He praised integrating research, development, production, and testing capabilities at Schrobenhausen, which will now see a significant capacity boost.
“The groundbreaking today is not only a testament to the strength of the German defense industry but also a vital contribution to the security of Europe and its allies. The investments here directly enhance the operational readiness and resilience of ground-based air defense systems, which are proving crucial in the conflict in Ukraine,” Pistorius said. He also linked this development to the European Sky Shield initiative, launched by Germany to strengthen collective air defense across the continent.
The expansion of the Schrobenhausen site continues a legacy of innovation established 65 years ago. Originally focused on research into shaped charges and explosive physics, the site has evolved into a high-tech hub for advanced defense systems. This investment reinforces MBDA’s position as a leader in European defense and aligns with Germany’s broader strategic goals to modernize its defense industry through regulatory reforms and financial incentives.
As construction progresses, MBDA’s commitment to supporting NATO and European defense remains evident. The facility will not only address current demands but also position MBDA to tackle future challenges in a rapidly evolving security landscape. This expansion clearly aligns with industrial capabilities, political will, and strategic defense objectives.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to continue strengthening Germany’s defense capabilities while supporting allied operations worldwide.