Germany Bolsters Air Defense with Proposed Purchase of 600 Patriot Missiles

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Germany of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) missiles and related equipment, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on 15 August 2024.

The proposed FMS, which is worth an estimated USD 5.0 billion (EUR 4.55 billion), has been passed to the US Congress for final approval.

Germany has requested to buy up to 600 PAC-3 MSE missiles (including 10 fly-to-buy missiles). Also included in the deal are tools and test equipment plus various aspects of programme, technical, logistics and programme support.

The PAC-3 MSE missile is an agile hit-to-kill interceptor that extends the range of the MIM-104 Patriot air defence system, making it capable of intercepting longer-range theatre ballistic missiles. Germany’s Patriot systems currently use both the PAC-3 MSE interceptor and the PAC-2 GEM-T missile, which is designed to address medium-range ballistic or cruise missiles.

“The proposed sale will improve Germany’s capability to meet current and future threats and increase the defensive capabilities of its military. It will support Germany’s goal of improving national and territorial defense as well as interoperability with US and NATO forces,” the DSCA stated.

The prime contractor for the FMS will be Lockheed Martin out of its facilities in Dallas, Texas.