Germany Places $1.2B Order for Patriot Air and Missile Defense Systems

Raytheon, an RTX business, announced a $1.2 billion contract on Thursday to provide Germany with Patriot air and missile defense systems.

The contract entails the procurement of the latest version of the Patriot air defense system, specifically the PAC-3MSE variant. This acquisition is intended to complement Germany's existing fleet of PAC-2 systems and bolster its air defense infrastructure.

Included in the contract are Patriot Configuration 3+ radars, launchers, command and control stations, as well as associated spares and support.

Germany is buying these systems to address a gap in its defense capabilities, stemming from their transfer to Ukraine.

Furthermore, Germany is planning to start the production of MIM-104E anti-aircraft missiles for the Patriot PAC-2. This production, slated to take place under license from Raytheon at MBDA Germany in Schrobenhausen, aims to manufacture over 500 PAC-2 anti-aircraft missiles.

Delivery of the systems is scheduled to commence in 2027, with the final system expected to be transferred in 2029.

The Patriot air and missile defense system has the ability to counter various threats, including long-range cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles, and air-breathing threats.