Factbox: Patriot in focus amid missile defense system shortage
21/06/2024 19:28
June 21 (Reuters) - As Ukraine's military struggles with
a shortage of missile defense systems amid Russia's bombardment
of its energy infrastructure, Patriot systems, which have helped
Kyiv defend itself against the attacks, are in focus.
WHAT IS THE PATRIOT SYSTEM?
The Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target, or
Patriot, is a sophisticated surface-to-air missile defense
system recognized as one of the most advanced air defense
systems in the U.S. arsenal.
OPERATIONAL MECHANICS
The mobile missile defense system typically comprises strong
radar, a control station, power generators, launch stations and
ancillary support vehicles.
Its capabilities vary based on the type of interceptor
deployed. An interceptor is a projectile fired at an incoming
missile with the aim of knocking it down.
The PAC-2 interceptor features a blast-fragmentation
warhead, whereas the PAC-3 missile utilizes advanced hit-to-kill
technology.
MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLY CHAIN
The Patriot system is supported by two major primes.
Raytheon, under RTX RTX.N , manufactures radar and ground
systems, while Lockheed Martin's LMT.N Missiles and Fire
Control division makes the interceptor missiles.
PRODUCTION SCALE AND BUSINESS
The much in demand Patriot system has been lucrative for
these contractors. The production of Patriot interceptors is
increasing at the rate of 100 missiles per year. With each
missile costing about $4 million, this represents a potential
$400 million increase in annual sales from just one weapons
system.
Boeing BA.N , which makes the sensor that guides the
Patriot missile, is increasing its production capacity by more
than 30%.
OTHER WELL-KNOWN DEFENSE SYSTEMS
Beyond Patriot, other well-known defense systems include the
Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, designed to
intercept and destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-range
ballistic missile threats in their terminal phase of flight. It
is deployed in South Korea.
The Ground-based Midcourse Defense system, or GMD, can
intercept and destroy long-range ballistic missiles during the
mid-course phase of flight.
(Reporting by Pratyush Thakur in Bengaluru; Editing by Pooja
Desai)
((pratyush.thakur@thomsonreuters.com;))