US Approves Patriot Missiles Sale To Netherlands For US$105M

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of Patriot Fire Units for an estimated cost of $105 million for the Netherlands, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced Wednesday.  

According to the release, the Netherlands has requested Recapitalization (RECAP) of four Netherlands Patriot Fire Units.  RECAP includes Radar Sets (RS), Radar Digital Processors (RDP), Engagement Control Stations (ECS), Information and Coordination Central (ICC), Modem Man Stations (MMS), Launching Stations, and Post Deployment Build (PDB)-8 upgrades along with parts, tools, technical and engineering assistance, support services, testing, and other related elements of logistics and program support, which will produce fire units at the Configuration 3+ capability. 

According to a statement from DSCA, the Netherlands will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats, and provide direct support to coalition and security cooperation efforts.

U.S. Government personnel will conduct the RECAP at Letterkenny Army Depot.

The Patriot is an advanced long range air defense missile system that is designed to destroy incoming enemy aircraft and missiles. It has been in use for decades, has seen combat and been upgraded may times.