The German Patriot M903 successfully launched a PAC-3 MSE interceptor and destroyed a tactical ballistic missile

By: Maksim Panasovskiy | 12.05.2023, 17:00

The German Air Force has tested a German version of the M903 launcher, which is part of the MIM-104 Patriot air defence system. The press release appeared on the Lockheed Martin website.

Here's What We Know

The German Air Force has tested the compatibility of the modified Patriot M903 launcher and the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor. In the Tactical Test / Operational Test 3 a virtual tactical ballistic missile was destroyed.

The modification of the launcher was carried out by MBDA Deutschland with the support of Lockheed Martin. The test was the final step before the first batch of PAC-3 MSEs is delivered to Germany.

According to Lockheed Martin officials, the recent tests demonstrate that the PAC-3 MSE missile interceptors are ready for deployment in Germany. An agreement for the procurement of the MIM-104 Patriot anti-missile interceptors was signed in 2019. Germany had previously used PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI) interceptors.

Source: Lockheed Martin