Switzerland to Purchase Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missiles

Officials from the United States and Switzerland have formalized an agreement that paves the way for the latter to acquire Lockheed Martin's Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles, along with the necessary support equipment.

The acquisition of PAC-3 MSE missiles is set to enhance Switzerland's existing Patriot ground-based air defense system, as part of the broader Switzerland Air Force's Air2030 program.

Lockheed Martin, in conjunction with armasuisse, has also sealed the Offset Agreement, a critical component of the PAC-3 MSE program. This agreement will act as a catalyst for launching multiple new projects that support Switzerland's security-relevant technology and industry base (STIB).

The PAC-3 MSE is designed to expand the battlespace by incorporating a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, resulting in enhanced performance in terms of altitude and range. Functioning as a high-velocity interceptor, the PAC-3 MSE is engineered to defend against various incoming threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, advanced threats, and aircraft. What sets the PAC-3 MSE apart is its utilization of Hit-to-Kill technology, intercepting threats through kinetic energy via body-to-body contact, providing a shield against potential dangers.