The newly upgraded Raytheon Patriot Integrated Air and Missile Defense system has again proven that it can destroy a ballistic missile with different kinds of interceptors fired in rapid succession.
The combat-proven Patriot system, upgraded with a suite of improvements collectively known as Post-Deployment Build 8 (PDB-8), successfully detected, tracked and engaged a threat-representative ballistic missile target in a March 17 test. It then destroyed the target by first firing a PAC-3 MSE interceptor and, seconds later, a GEM-T interceptor.
The PDB-8 upgrade, which was funded by the 13-nation Patriot partnership, allows Patriot to take advantage of many of the PAC-3 MSE’s advanced capabilities.
"Patriot users around the globe are currently employing interceptor mixes in ongoing combat operations to increase cost-effectiveness and provide commanders with operational flexibility," said Ralph Acaba, Raytheon vice president of Integrated Air and Missile Defense. "This latest test ensures the 13-nation-strong Patriot partnership will have an enhanced ability to use different interceptors in the PDB-8 configuration to defend against a broad spectrum of threats."
PDB-8 builds on the lessons learned from more than 200 combat engagements, 1,400 flight tests and 3,000-plus ground tests.
The PAC-3 MSE destroys threats via the force of the collision. The lower-cost combat-proven GEM-T interceptor flies close to threats and explodes, destroying the missile or aircraft in the process.
Ballistic missiles move extremely fast and potentially carry weapons of mass destruction. That is why commanders require the operational flexibility to fire multiple interceptors at the threat.
The test was witnessed by representatives from 7 of the 13 Patriot partner nations, as well as delegations from Poland and Sweden. Poland has stated it is interested in procuring Patriot.
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