Lockheed Martin sends PAC-3 MSE missiles to Poland for Patriot surface-to-air missiles

A shipment of PAC-3 MSE missiles for the Patriot surface-to-air missile system, which were purchased under the Wisla programme, has arrived in Poland. The delivery was confirmed by Lieutenant Colonel Krzysztof Płatek, secretary of the Armed Forces Agency.

Here's What We Know

The Polish Armed Forces purchased 208 PAC-3 MSE interceptors as part of the first phase of the Wisla programme. The missiles for the Patriot are manufactured by the American company Lockheed Martin. They provide protection against a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as ballistic and cruise missiles.

The Patriot launcher holds up to 12 missiles. In the first phase of the Wisla programme, Poland bought 16 launchers to form two batteries of 8 units each. The PAC-3 MSE is equipped with an active radar seeker, which allows the interceptor to operate without special radar. The missile receives target data from the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS).

The United States first tested the Patriot PAC-3 surface-to-air missile system in 1997, and three years later it entered service. The Patriot PAC-3 is capable of destroying targets at altitudes up to 20 kilometres that travel at 1,600 metres per second. The effective range and altitude of the PAC-3 MSE remains a mystery. The altitude probably exceeds 30 km.

The PAC-3 MSE offers a broad capability to counter fast and manoeuvring threats. At the same time, the Pentagon says that the full potential of the new missile will be unlocked only after the integration of the LTAMDS radar.

Source: Defense24