The U.S. Defense Department plans to double the procurement rate of Patriot Advanced Capability 3 missiles in preparation for a possible war with Iraq, Inside the Army reported today (see GSN, Oct. 31).

The Pentagon has increased its order to eight PAC-3 missiles per month — up from four missiles — as a result of “recently revised inventory requirements,” according to Pentagon documents.  Officials have sent the plan to Congress and are awaiting approval.

In a speech last month, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz suggested an increase in PAC-3 production “out of concern for near-term vulnerabilities.”

The accelerated production rate, which would cost the Pentagon $70 million in fiscal 2003, reportedly would continue through fiscal 2004.  To help cover the costs, officials want to take $64 million from the Ballistic Missile Defense System, according to Inside the Army.

The ultimate procurement goal remains 1,159 missiles and increased short-term purchases would be offset by decreased purchases in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2009, according to Inside the Army (Erin Winograd, Inside the Army, Nov. 25).

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