Displaying items by tag: Pentagon

The Pentagon has signed major agreements with BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin to significantly increase production of key components for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. The deal will see output of advanced infrared seekers quadrupled, supporting a wider plan to expand annual interceptor production from 96 to 400 units. These seekers enable the system to detect and track incoming ballistic missiles travelling at extreme speeds, allowing interceptors to destroy threats through direct impact. The contracts are designed to strengthen supply chains and provide stability for defence manufacturers, enabling investment, expansion, and increased hiring. Officials emphasise that bolstering production capacity is essential to maintaining a strong defensive capability in an increasingly uncertain global environment. However, concerns remain about the high cost of such systems compared to cheaper weapons like drones. Despite this, US defence leaders view THAAD as a critical component of national and allied security.

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has paused a planned shipment of advanced munitions to Ukraine amid growing concern over the country’s depleted stockpiles of weapons. The delay, stemming from a defence department review, affects key systems including Patriot interceptors and Hellfire missiles. This reassessment follows years of military aid to Ukraine and operations in the Middle East. While the Biden-era packages had approved these shipments, some are now being withheld, even after arriving in the region. The White House defended the move as prioritising US interests, but Ukrainian officials expressed frustration, calling the decision painful and warning that delays embolden Russian aggression. With Russia intensifying missile and drone attacks - launching the largest aerial assault since the 2022 invasion - Ukrainian leaders stressed the urgency of air defence support. Donald Trump has expressed a desire to supply Patriot missiles but acknowledged shortages. The pause comes as the USA also works to broker a ceasefire in the ongoing war.