Boeing said on Monday it will increase Huntsville factory production capacity for sensors that are used to guide Patriot missiles to their targets to meet rising air and missile defense needs worldwide.

The facility with increased production capacity, expected to be operational in early 2027, will enable Boeing to increase annual PAC-3 (Patriot Advanced Capability-3) seeker production by more than 30%, the company said.

The move comes as the United States seeks to replenish its weapon stockpiles following shipments to Ukraine. Ukraine has used Patriot missiles in its effort to repel Russia's invasion.

Patriot, which stands for Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target, is considered one of the most advanced air defense systems in the U.S. arsenal. RTX manufactures radar and ground systems, and Lockheed Martin manufactures the interceptor missiles.

Boeing has been awarded more than $2 billion in contracts for making the sensors over the past two years and has produced PAC-3 seekers as a subcontractor to Lockheed Martin for more than 20 years.

(Reporting by Aatreyee Dasgupta in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)