US and Switzerland sign Patriot Advanced Capability 3 missile contract

2 November 2023

11 1 minute read

Abone Ol

A Medium Extended Air Defense System missile is launched to intercept a target during a MEADS test at White Sands Missile Range Nov. 29. The test exploited the MEADS capability for full-perimeter, 360-degree defense with the PAC-3 MSE Missile performing a unique over-the-shoulder maneuver to defeat the target attacking from behind the MEADS emplacement.

“The procurement of a second type of guided missile [PAC-3] for the Patriot system expands the capabilities of longer-range ground-based air defense and increases the endurance of the Swiss Army” said Switzerland’s federal department of defense, civil protection and sport in a translated statement.

The US and Swiss governments have signed a procurement contract for Lockheed Martin Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) guided missiles.

Switzerland, a military neutral country, said on Tuesday it will receive the newest guided missiles from the Patriot family in 2028 and 2029, as it progresses with acquisition of PAC-2 GEM-T (Guidance Enhanced Missile, Tactical) in parallel.

“The procurement of a second type of guided missile [PAC-3] for the Patriot system expands the capabilities of longer-range ground-based air defense and increases the endurance of the Swiss Army” said Switzerland’s federal department of defense, civil protection and sport in a translated statement.

Funding of 300 million CHF ($330 million) for the acquisition was first approved by the Swiss parliament under the Army Message 2023 and fits into the larger Air2030 modernization effort based around renewing air defense and air power capabilities. This wider project also covers procurement of 36 Lockheed Martin F-35A fifth generation fighter jets, radar and command and control air based equipment (C2Air).

An offset PAC-3 agreement was also signed with Lockheed Martin. The manufacturer noted in a company statement that the European nation will become the 15th PAC-3 operator.

The US State Department approved in September 2020 a Foreign Military Sale with Switzerland for 5 Patriot Configuration-3+ Modernized Fire Units and other equipment at an estimated cost of $2.2 billion (2 billion CHF).

Deliveries of those units are expected to begin in 2026, according to the federal department of defense.

The PAC-3 MSE missile is described by Lockheed Martin as a “high-velocity” interceptor that can engage aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and “advanced threats.” It is fitted with a dual-pulse solid rocket motor to increase altitude and range. Additionally, the munition uses “hit-to-kill” technology, intercepting threats through kinetic energy, based on “body-to-body contact.”

The manufacturer successfully intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile target during PAC-3 MSE flight tests to verify software updates in March and continues integration work to assess compatibility with the Aegis weapon system which, the company says, could eventually “deliver a proven, integrated air and missile defense capability” for navy operators.

Abone Ol