US Army service life extension for Patriot missiles

Raytheon has received US Army approval for a second recertification which will see the operational life of the worldwide inventory of the Patriot missile extended from 30 to 45 years. This extension will allow customers to recertify and/or upgrade their inventory of Patriot missiles at a fraction of the cost of replacing them with alternative interceptors.

The underlying technology and operational capability of the Patriot missiles have been continually enhanced throughout its operational life to counter high-speed tactical ballistic missiles and air breathing threats.

Patriot missiles are critical components of the Patriot Air and Missile Defense System. The system provides protection against a full range of advanced threats, including aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Sanjay Kapoor, vice president, Integrated Air and Missile Defense, Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems, said: ‘This is a testament to Patriot's capabilities and combat performance that continue to exceed all expectations, now and over its successful operational life. This significant life extension decision by the army comes on the heels of a recent $46.7 million US Army contract awarded to Raytheon to recertify and upgrade Patriot missiles to the latest GEM-T configuration as part of the continuous Patriot modernisation effort.’