Patriot launcher modules mounted on the M983 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck, part of the U.S. MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile system, are pictured in Zamosc, Poland, on Feb. 18, 2023. Omar Marques/Getty Images
The U.S. Department of War (DOW) and Lockheed Martin on Jan. 6 announced a strategic seven-year partnership to significantly expand production of Patriot surface-to-air missiles, a key component of President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense initiative.
The Golden Dome Initiative, announced in May 2025, would create a next-generation missile defense system to protect America from overseas nuclear missile attacks. Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin will expand annual production capacity for PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor missiles—capable of destroying incoming intercontinental ballistic missiles in midflight—from 600 to 2,000.
