Posted on 07/08/2025 6:38:47 PM PDT by Mariner
Ukraine with now get a token 10 interceptors of 30 previously approved by Biden.
The commies at New Republic blame it on Trump's support of Israel...then later acknowledge stocks have been low ever since Biden starting shipping them to Ukraine in 2022. Early in the war Ukraine was burning through them like they were free and inexhaustible. Some used to shoot down $50,000 drones.
Only 550 are produced annually and those are sorely needed in the Pacific theater where we have actual interests.
And for those who do not know, the Trump Administration and Congress have not approved a single dime of new funding for Ukraine.
I’ve only budgeted 25% of what my wife wants to spend on the grandchildren
Good!
You believe it’s good that we have but 25% of required stocks?
“the stockpiles of a number of critical munitions have been below that floor for several years since the Biden administration started sending military aid to Ukraine.”
We are $31 trillion in debt, and our weapon stockpiles are low. We should not be sending a nickel in cash or nickel’s worth of armaments to any other country. We have given away enough American taxpayer money on foreign welfare/military adventurism. Let’s take care of ourselves first for a change.
If you’d get off your high horse for a minute you might notice that he replied to post #2.
The U.S. can make more Patriot missile batteries — but doing so is not quick or easy, for several key reasons:
🛠️ 1. Complexity of the System
Patriot missile systems are extremely sophisticated, involving:
Radar systems
Command and control units
Multiple launchers
Interceptor missiles (PAC-2, PAC-3, GEM-T)
Each component takes time to engineer, test, and integrate. It’s not just about building more missiles — you need the whole ecosystem.
🏭 2. Limited Production Capacity
Only a few companies (like Raytheon for the U.S.) build Patriots, and they can only produce a finite number at a time:
Raytheon says it can currently produce about 12–16 batteries per year, depending on funding and priorities.
PAC-3 missiles are made by Lockheed Martin, and production is ramping up — but not instantaneously.
Expanding production means building new factories, hiring skilled workers, and dealing with supply chain constraints.
⛓️ 3. Supply Chain Bottlenecks
Key parts of a Patriot system involve:
Specialized semiconductors
High-performance radar components
Rocket propulsion systems These rely on a global supply chain that has faced disruptions since COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. Some components have long lead times (12–36 months).
💰 4. High Cost
Each battery costs $1–1.5 billion, and each interceptor missile costs $4–5 million. Increasing production requires large up-front investments and Congressional approval for defense budgets.
👥 5. Training and Deployment
Even if you build the hardware:
You need to train soldiers to operate and maintain it.
A Patriot unit requires 90+ personnel and months of training.
Deployment logistics are complex, especially in overseas or forward bases.
🌍 6. Competing Global Demand
Countries like Ukraine, Poland, Taiwan, Germany, Japan, and Saudi Arabia are buying or requesting Patriots. The U.S. must decide whether to prioritize allies or its own stockpile.
🇺🇸 So Why Not Just Massively Expand?
The U.S. is increasing production — but even with urgency, you can’t go from “need more” to “have more” in weeks. It’s a multi-year ramp-up due to complexity, cost, and industrial limitations.
From AI.
Milley should be courtmartialed for what he did to this country
Well, hell, let’s run out and tell the world.
Putin's strategy makes sense. Attrition warfare.
Deplete the military resources from the West.
Ukraine will be forced to surrender.
At this point, the EU will have to step up, especially Germany.
“Lauch all you want - we’ll make more.”
My name is Jay Leno and I approve this message.
New?
How much OLD is left?
“At this point, the EU will have to step up, especially Germany.”
NOBODY in the EU has anything remotely close the Patriot.
Ukraine is going to have to learn to do without.
Order more. Make more. Whatever. We just added a hundred billion to the budget of a trillion dollars a year.
“US only has 25% of all Patriot missile interceptors needed for Pentagon’s military plans”
So I guess we can give these remaining 25% to Ukraine and have them be able to (somewhat) hold off Russian attacks for another 3 or 4 months, considering the intensity of the attacks at this point.
Hard to see how this is in our interest, or even in how it’s in Ukraine’s interest.
The first B-29 flew in September 1942, and by January 1944, the 100th aircraft had been accepted into service. Production of the B-29 rapidly increased throughout the year, with the 500th aircraft being accepted in July and the 1,000th in November. By March 1945, the 2,000th B-29 was accepted, and by June, the 3,000th. The peak production rate was reached in April with 300 aircraft per month, which further increased to 375 aircraft in the last full month of production. 12.5 per day
|
“Order more. Make more. Whatever.”
That includes not giving away what we have until production catches up.
We’re at 550 per year now. It’s estimated we’ll be at 650 per year by the end of 2027.
So?
Go get some more, pronto!
“The peak production rate was reached in April with 300 aircraft per month, which further increased to 375 aircraft in the last full month of production. 12.5 per day”
Incredible! How many of the parts and key minerals came from China?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
