MBDA Deutschland Expands Missile Production Capacity to Bolster Bundeswehr and NATO Air Defense

Germany is set to become the only country outside the United States to assemble GEM-T missiles for the Patriot™ air defense system, following MBDA Deutschland’s strategic investment in new production infrastructure. The company’s facility in Schrobenhausen is currently undergoing a significant expansion, aimed at establishing dedicated “missile hubs” to serve not only the Bundeswehr but also allied NATO forces. The move marks a pivotal step in the rearmament and modernization of NATO’s integrated air and missile defense capabilities, especially as the alliance ramps up readiness in the wake of continued threats on Europe’s eastern flank. Construction of the new assembly hall, covering approximately 6,000 square meters, is already underway and expected to be completed by September 2026. Once operational, the expansion will create over 300 skilled jobs, reinforcing Germany’s position as a central player in NATO’s defense industrial base. MBDA’s site in Schrobenhausen has been manufacturing missiles since 1959 and boasts robust physical and cybersecurity measures, crucial for deterring espionage and sabotage attempts amid heightened global tensions.

As of mid-2025, 1,000 GEM-T missiles — designed and assembled in Germany — have been ordered for the Patriot air defense systems deployed by the Bundeswehr, Spain, the Netherlands, Romania, and Sweden. This substantial order demonstrates a collective European push to reinforce aerial defense against growing threats from cruise missiles, drones, and enemy aircraft. Though final assembly will occur at the German site, the facility’s role remains vital, providing a strategically autonomous source of guided missile supply within Europe. The decision aligns with the broader European Sky Shield Initiative, an air defense architecture designed to reduce European reliance on U.S.-based production lines. While MBDA is focusing on GEM-T production, another European missile production initiative is being explored. Rheinmetall, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, is negotiating plans to begin manufacturing Patriot PAC-3 and ATACMS missiles on European soil. These negotiations are still in progress, and the GEM-T line remains the most immediate and tangible asset in Europe’s missile supply chain. Should Rheinmetall’s joint venture materialize, it would further diversify Europe’s missile production capabilities. However, PAC-3 MSE and GEM-T have different operational profiles and should be seen as complementary systems in NATO’s multi-layered defense strategy.

While the GEM-T is not as optimized for ballistic missile intercepts as the PAC-3 MSE, it brings critical advantages in range and versatility. GEM-T boasts a reach of up to 160 km against aerodynamic targets — including aircraft and cruise missiles — compared to PAC-3 MSE’s 120 km. The trade-off comes in launcher capacity: a single launcher holds 12 PAC-3 MSEs but only 4 GEM-Ts. This balance between range, intercept capability, and payload capacity is driving strategic procurement decisions across NATO, ensuring flexibility across different threat environments. The European Sky Shield Initiative continues to gain momentum with Germany at its core. The initial $5.5 billion contract for GEM-T missiles was awarded in January through NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency to COMLOG, a long-standing joint venture between MBDA and Raytheon. A subsequent $478 million contract was allocated to Raytheon to replenish missile stocks following German deliveries to Ukraine. COMLOG has maintained more than 5,000 Patriot missiles across European NATO partners, reinforcing the trust in this Franco-American venture as a cornerstone of European missile readiness.

The timing of this industrial ramp-up is not coincidental. As NATO enters a new era of deterrence and defense posture, establishing secure, reliable, and sovereign missile production capabilities within Europe is critical. The Schrobenhausen site’s layered security measures — built over decades of operation — are a testament to Germany’s commitment to safeguarding critical defense technologies. This capability also provides NATO partners with an assured supply line in times of crisis, reducing vulnerability to geopolitical shocks and transatlantic logistical delays. As Europe continues to strengthen its collective defense under the evolving strategic landscape, MBDA Deutschland’s efforts to expand production reflect a broader trend: Europe’s return to serious defense industrial investment. The Schrobenhausen facility, with its new GEM-T missile hub, is not only a symbol of industrial resilience but a signal to allies and adversaries alike — Germany is stepping up. Stay tuned with Jane’s Defence Weekly for continued coverage on Europe’s rearmament and NATO’s expanding missile shield.