The United States and its allies are accelerating efforts to produce missiles, drones, and ammunition closer to potential conflict zones in the Asia-Pacific region, the Pentagon announced. This initiative is a core component of the Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience Partnership (IPIRP), established in May 2024, designed to mitigate supply chain risks and bolster the defense capabilities of allied nations.
Following a recent virtual meeting, the partnership welcomed Thailand and the United Kingdom as new members, bringing the total to 16 nations spanning Asia and Europe. The IPIRP intends to launch a program for the production of solid rocket motors, with Japan spearheading this endeavor. The goal is to significantly increase the output of this crucial component, which is vital for guided weapons.
Furthermore, the partnership aims to standardize and expand the manufacturing of small military drones, focusing specifically on critical elements like batteries and engines. It also plans to explore broader opportunities for collaborative drone production. In a related development, the group is considering establishing a facility in the Philippines for the assembly and packaging of 30mm cannon shells, widely used in both aircraft and ground vehicles.