Netherlands Signs $529M Deal for Patriot Systems Replenishing Ukraine Donations

The Netherlands Defense Ministry has secured a $529 million contract with Raytheon to enhance its air defense capabilities by acquiring new Patriot system components, replenishing parts donated to Ukraine.

The package includes a single fire unit comprising radar, launchers, command and control stations, spare parts and support equipment. Deliveries are expected by 2029.

The acquisition replaces Patriot system components donated to Ukraine in 2023 and fulfills a previously expressed intention to expand the Netherlands' Patriot capacity. This move aligns with the Netherlands' broader goals of strengthening air defense within NATO and enhancing collective security in Europe.

The Netherlands is purchasing the equipment directly from Raytheon, a subsidiary of RTX, under a $529 million direct commercial sales contract.

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans confirmed the delivery of three new Patriot launchers to Ukraine in November 2024.

Ukraine has received three Patriot systems from Germany, one from the U.S., and individual launchers or missiles from the Netherlands and Spain. The U.S. and Netherlands pledged another system each in June, while Romania transferred one in September after approval.

Patriot air defense system

The Patriot air defense system counters threats such as helicopters, drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, tracking and intercepting multiple targets simultaneously to handle advanced, large-scale attacks. It integrates four operational functions: communications, command and control, radar surveillance, and missile guidance. Each battery includes six components: a power plant, radar set, engagement control station, launcher stations, antenna mast group, and interceptor missiles.

The radar set detects and tracks targets while guiding interceptors with its jamming-resistant phased array radar. The engagement control station, the only manned unit, calculates missile trajectories, controls launch sequences, and coordinates with launcher stations and other batteries. Launcher stations transport and launch missiles, while the antenna mast group serves as the primary communications backbone. PAC-2 missiles detonate near targets using proximity fuses, while PAC-3 missiles employ kinetic "hit-to-kill" technology to impact warheads directly.

During engagements, the phased array radar tracks the launched interceptor, whose active seeker adjusts its path toward the target. PAC-2 missiles detonate close to threats, whereas PAC-3 missiles aim for direct impact. Specifications include a flight ceiling exceeding 20 kilometers, a defended area of 15–20 kilometers against ballistic missiles, a missile length of 5.2 meters, a diameter of 25 centimeters, and speeds reaching 5,000 kilometers per hour. Each launcher can hold four PAC-2 or 16 PAC-3 missiles, with the radar range extending beyond 150 kilometers. The system weighs 320 kilograms per missile.