An example for Ukraine: Poland takes over another small part of Patriot production

The issue of localising the production of the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system in Ukraine is increasingly being raised in the public space. It is a strategically important issue, but the example of Poland demonstrates how complicated and time-consuming this process can be, even for a NATO member state with a substantial defence budget.

Here's What We Know

As part of the national Wisla programme, Poland invested $4.75 billion in the first phase in 2018 to purchase two Patriot batteries of enhanced composition. The second phase, scheduled for 2023-2026, involves spending $15 billion on six such batteries.

In both cases, the agreements provide for mandatory localisation of production of some components at Polish enterprises through offset mechanisms.

However, localisation does not mean a complete transfer of technology. For example, the WZL 1 plant in Łódź was only granted permission to produce composite launch tubes for MSE missiles in 2023 after passing multi-level inspections by Lockheed Martin. The first batch of such tubes was delivered only in April 2025, and it is not a missile or its engine, but only a part of the launch container.

Other Polish enterprises, such as Wojskowe Zakłady Elektroniczne, manufacture electronics elements for launchers, and Wojskowe Zakłady Uzbrojenia produces power supplies for heating the solid fuel charge in low temperatures. However, all of these facilities are highly specialised, not full-fledged SAM assembly lines.

In addition, there are separate programmes for localising components from Raytheon, the main manufacturer of the Patriot. At the first stage, they are also limited to the production of individual parts of launchers and auxiliary vehicles, rather than system components of the air defence system.

Source: Defence Express