US Automaker GM Steps Into Defense Industry to Produce Patriot Missile Components Amid Shortages

US automaker General Motors (GM) has entered the defense industry by launching the production of missile components.

US defense contractor Lockheed Martin announced on the 17th, local time, that GM delivered the initial batch of exterior missile components for its Patriot PAC-3 MSE interceptors on August 28.

Lockheed Martin explained that GM accomplished the production of Patriot missile parts in just 22 days, a process that typically takes several months.

However, the specific scale of the order and the scope of future contracts were not disclosed.

Previously, the US Department of Defense requested that Lockheed Martin increase its Patriot missile production more than threefold to over 2,000 units annually by the end of 2030.

However, with the production capacity of existing suppliers reaching its limit, many core components being handmade, and a heavy reliance on single suppliers such as Boeing, it has not been easy to increase supply in a short period.

Furthermore, as Ukraine remains exposed to prolonged Russian airstrikes and US missile stockpiles face severe depletion due to the US-Iran war, the Department of Defense has been pushing to mobilize automakers and their suppliers into the weapon production system.

GM CEO Mary Barra recently mentioned the defense business during an earnings call, stating she expects USD 700 million in revenue and a double-digit operating profit margin this year.

(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.