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The Patriot air and missile defense system has been exported to US allies and security partners for approximately three decades. The weapon system is currently used by the armed forces of 18 nations (including the USA). Other states have expressed interest.

D.The MIM-104 Patriot mobile interceptor missile system (Mobile Interceptor Missile) manufactured by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin is aimed at combating manned and unmanned aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. Patriot is typically used to protect point targets or specific areas. However, the vehicle-mounted system can also be moved over land or by transport aircraft to reach new operational sites or to accompany mobile field forces. A battery consists of five main components: fire control vehicle, surveillance and fire control radar, power generators, missile launchers and interceptor missiles. Depending on the variant, a missile carrier carries four, 14, or 16 interceptor missiles. The system is proven. Since the introduction of the first variant in 1981, more than 100 targets have been shot down.

Patriot interceptor missiles destroyed 45 of 47 deployed Iraqi SCUD missiles during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 (Photo: US Army)

Existing variants

Various Patriot guided missile (LFK) variants are currently in service. Each variant has specific properties that are optimized for specific usage scenarios.

PAC-2

The PAC-2 (Patriot Advanced Capability 2) interceptor missile has a high-energy warhead with a proximity fuse. It was first used in the Gulf War in the early 1990s to shoot down ballistic targets. A missile carrier carries four guided missiles.

PAC-2 GEM/GEM-T

The PAC-2 GEM (Guidance Enhanced Missile) variant, introduced in the late 1990s, has higher resolution sensors to detect ballistic targets with low radar signatures. The subsequent GEM-T variant was optimized to also intercept maneuverable aircraft targets - i.e. cruise missiles and manned aircraft. Technical innovations included the very precise digital detonator and even more powerful sensors.

Deployment of a Patriot missile carrier in field (Photo: US Army)

PAC-3

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