Raytheon and Electromecanica Ploiesti to start production of SkyCeptor for MIM-104 Patriot - interceptor can shoot down medium-range ballistic missiles

Romania will have a plant for the production of SkyCeptor missile interceptors. They will be part of the MIM-104 Patriot air defence system.

Here's What We Know

Raytheon and Electromecanica Ploiesti signed two memorandums of understanding on the production of SkyCeptor missile interceptors on the territory of the European country. The American and Romanian companies plan to start the design and construction of the new plant.

At the initial stage of work, the Romanian enterprise will be engaged in the assembly of SkyCeptor, while components will be supplied from the U.S. and Israel. It is expected that the new plant will be able to meet the demand for missile interceptors from 19 European countries that have MIM-104 Patriot air defence systems in service.

SkyCeptor is a modification of the Stunner anti-missile missile, which has a top speed of nearly 9,200 km/h (M=7.5), can shoot down ballistic missiles at altitudes of up to 15 kilometres and at ranges of up to 250 kilometres. It intercepts aerial threats on a hit-to-kill basis.

Romania has four MIM-104 Patriot air defence systems in service. The European country has purchased a total of seven US air defence systems worth $4 billion. The strength of the SkyCeptor (PAAC-3) is its lower price compared to the PAC-3.

Source: Defence Romania