Raytheon wins $1.2 billion contract to supply Patriot missiles to Germany

Europe, News, US March 23, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. defense giant Raytheon won a contract to supply $1.2 billion worth of Patriot missiles to Germany. The announcement came on March 21, 2024, one day after the German military’s budget committee approved the purchase of additional Patriot systems.

Under the contract, Raytheon would provide the latest Patriot Configuration 3+ systems to Germany, which consist of radars, launchers, command and control stations, along with the associated spares and support services. The systems would be integrated into Germany’s current air defense infrastructure with advanced technological components.

“This contract reflects the global emphasis on advanced air and missile defense capabilities and the steadfast confidence in Patriot,” Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon said. “With this expansion, Germany will not only modernize its own significant air defense but enhance its interoperability with allies and further strengthen a core NATO mission,” he added.

Deliveries and services related to the latest procurement will be finalized by 2029. The Patriot system has been playing a major in bolstering Germany’s air defense framework and it would become the backbone of German air defense by 2030.

Germany has also been stockpiling the guided missiles in its arsenal. The recent budget allocation of the German forces encompasses the acquisition of 500 guided missiles and their accompanying spare parts for the systems.

*^{Patriot air and missile defense system on display at Allied Air Command. (Image Credit: NATO AIRCOM)}*

The Patriot system serves as the cornerstone of air defense for 19 nations, among them Germany, the U.S., and Ukraine. Its formidable and battle-tested performance consistently showcases its effectiveness against the most sophisticated and challenging threats.

Earlier in January, a coalition of four European and NATO member states that also includes Germany along with the Netherlands, Spain, and Romania, jointly ordered 1000 U.S.-made Patriot missiles in a $5.5 billion amid Russia’s renewed intensive airstrikes on major Ukrainian cities.

The Patriot (Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept On Target), is engineered as a mobile air defense solution with the capability to counter a spectrum of threats spanning up to 1,000 kilometers. The Patriot Configuration 3+ air defense system is the latest iteration of preceding Patriot missile systems, specifically tailored for intercepting diverse threats like aircraft, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles.

Comprising various components such as interceptor missiles, launch stations, radar sets, control stations, and power generation units, the Patriot system ensures comprehensive defense coverage. The system can fire PAC-2 and PAC-3 variants interceptor missiles, with the latter boasting hit-to-kill technology for precise neutralization of threats, thereby expanding the protected area.

With its proven track record and continuous advancements, the Patriot missile system remains a pivotal asset in safeguarding nations against aerial threats on the modern battlefield.