Raytheon to upgrade South Korea's Patriot system
South Korea has awarded Raytheon a contract to upgrade an undisclosed number of its Patriot air and missile defence system batteries to the latest configuration, the company announced on 30 March.
The upgrades under the $769.4 million direct commercial sale contract include an open architecture so that the system can operate on various networks. They also include the Modern Man Station operator interface, which features touch screen technology and colour graphical displays.
Raytheon will also upgrade South Korea's Patriot systems with a radar digital processor for improved target detection and identification, surveillance and support of the PAC-3 MSE missile.
Dan Crowley, president, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, said: 'The upgrade enhances the Republic of Korea's defences and underscores the value of the 13-nation strong Patriot partnership which funded development of the modernisation.
'The Republic of Korea's procurement is also an economic growth engine which will bring good jobs to Korea and preserve jobs in the US, which would have gone overseas if a foreign system was selected.'
South Korea awarded a $160 million contract to Raytheon in late 2014 to upgrade its missiles to the GEM-T configuration.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
DSEI 2025: OpenWorks launches new system for on-the-move targeting
Vision Pace uses OpenWorks’ artificial intelligence (AI) classifiers and trackers to detect, track and identify multiple targets in land and naval applications for air defence.
-
DSEI 2025: Patria’s FAMOUS becomes TRACKX with production ready before end of 2027
The first two Technology Test Beds (TTBs) have been completed and put through a series of company trials including sand, snow, swamp, forest and tarmac.
-
DSEI 2025: General Dynamics firms up Ajax for potential British Army IFV requirement
Following the cancellation of the Lockheed Martin UK Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP), the British Army will have a serious capability gap when the current Warrior infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) is soon phased out of service.
-
DSEI 2025: Trials completed for new version of Tridon air defence gun
Less than two years ago, Sweden’s BAE Systems Bofors announced it was developing a new 40mm short-range air defence system using internal research and development funding, calling it the Tridon Mk2.
-
DSEI 2025: Rheinmetall adds Lockheed Martin missile punch to Fuchs vehicle
The combination of the Rheinmetall platform with Lockheed Martin missiles is seen as the bringing together of mature systems to provide a capability in the medium term, but trials could be as long as 12 months away.