Germany orders 120 Patriot PAC-3 MSE interceptor missiles to strengthen air defence
The German Bundeswehr has confirmed an order for 120 Patriot PAC-3 MSE guided missiles to strengthen its air defence. The purchase is worth €763.5 million, and the funding was approved by the Bundestag Budget Committee on 18 December 2024.
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The acquisition is being made through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, which allows foreign countries to purchase US defence equipment through agreements with the US government.
Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for the contract, which will provide missiles on terms identical to those used by the US Armed Forces. The Patriot PAC-3 MSE system is designed to combat medium-range missiles and aircraft, which will significantly enhance Germany's defence capabilities.
The launch of the PAC-3 MSE. Illustration: US Department of Defence
To accelerate production and delivery, the German government made a full prepayment under the contract. The bulk of the cost - €641.6 million - is covered by a special fund of the Bundeswehr, while the €121.9 million required for import tax will be taken from the defence budget. According to the delivery schedule, 75 missiles are to be delivered to Germany in 2028 and another 45 in 2029.
The contract also stipulates that two missiles will remain in the United States to monitor the batch. If this is not required, they will be transferred to Germany no earlier than five years later.
Source: Army Recognition