Spain's Council of Ministers, in its meeting on November 7, has given the green light to two missile purchase programs, amounting to a combined total of €580 million. This significant decision is a crucial component of Spain's broader initiative for the rearmament of its Armed Forces, a strategic move influenced by the insights gained from the conflict in Ukraine. The two programs in question involve the acquisition of Patriot missiles and Naval Strike Missiles (NSM), with a substantial budget allocation of €400 million for Patriots and €180 million for NSMs.
Patriot Missile Program:
The procurement of state-of-the-art Patriot missiles is deemed imperative for ensuring the continued effectiveness of the missile defense system. The goal is to replace outdated components, guaranteeing the security of Spain's national airspace and upholding commitments made within the NATO alliance. The estimated value of the Patriot missile framework agreement is €400 million. This advanced missile system, configured in the 3+ setup, is designed to intercept and neutralize ballistic missiles, showcasing enhanced precision and capabilities at distances exceeding 100 kilometers.
The Spanish Ministry of Defense, in its pursuit of modernization, authorized the acquisition of Patriot missiles from the United States in early October, specifying the 3+ configuration. The comprehensive program involves the upgrade of launchers in the Army to the 3+ configuration, along with the procurement of the latest Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3MSE) missiles. All launchers, both upgraded and new, are set to be integrated into the heavy-duty Iveco vehicles currently in service across the Armed Forces. These new missiles, although smaller in size, boast advanced onboard technology significantly enhancing their precision compared to earlier versions. Their primary mission is to intercept and bring down ballistic missiles at distances well beyond 100 kilometers.
Spain initially acquired its first Patriot battery from Germany in 2004, followed a decade later by the purchase of two additional second-hand batteries from Germany to fulfill commitments made during the NATO summit in 2014. The Army received these acquisitions, including the Central Control and Information (ICC) station, vehicle carriers, communication equipment, and logistical elements, in June 2015. One of the three batteries is permanently deployed in NATO's Active Fence mission in Turkey, safeguarding the city of Adana against potential ballistic missile threats from neighboring Syria.
NSM Missile Program:
The NSM, with a remarkable range exceeding 185 kilometers, is set to replace the Harpoon missiles currently in service with the Spanish Navy. The retirement of the Harpoon missiles is anticipated around 2030, aligning with current plans. Notably, the NSM has garnered recent interest from other European countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Poland. In late 2022, the Spanish Government granted the Ministry of Defense the authority to enter into a contract valued at €125 million for the acquisition of NSMs. However, specific details regarding the quantity of missiles and associated equipment included in the order have not been disclosed as of now.
The NSM's multifaceted capabilities make it a versatile addition to the Spanish Navy's arsenal. With a range that far exceeds its predecessor, the NSM not only serves as an anti-ship missile but also provides the capability for selective and precise attacks on land targets. Equipped with a military-grade GPS navigation system and a laser altimeter, the NSM employs Terrain Reference Navigation (TRN) to identify targets, using the same image recognition system employed against naval targets. Its cutting-edge technology, including a sophisticated infrared image recognition system and a high-explosive warhead encased in a titanium shell, ensures accurate target discrimination and minimizes collateral damage.
In conclusion, Spain's recent approval of these missile acquisition programs underscores its commitment to modernizing and fortifying its defense capabilities. This strategic move reflects a proactive response to evolving geopolitical challenges and aims to position Spain as a technologically advanced and capable force on the global stage.
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