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Germany Orders 120 Patriot PAC-3 MSE Guided Missiles for Air Defense System.
The German Bundeswehr has confirmed an order for 120 Patriot PAC-3 MSE guided missiles as part of a strategic enhancement to its air defense capabilities. The acquisition was processed through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route, with a total funding of €763.5 million approved by the German Bundestag's Budget Committee on December 18, 2024.
The German Bundeswehr has ordered 120 Patriot PAC-3 MSE guided missiles to strengthen its air defense capabilities. (Picture source: US DoD)
The German Bundeswehr has ordered 120 Patriot PAC-3 MSE guided missiles to strengthen its air defense capabilities. The acquisition, valued at €763.5 million, was approved by the Bundestag's Budget Committee on December 18, 2024, and processed through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
The FMS program allows foreign countries to procure U.S. defense equipment and services via agreements with the U.S. government. Under this arrangement, Lockheed Martin, the primary contractor, will provide the necessary components and services under the same conditions as those used by the U.S. armed forces. This deal is a significant step in enhancing the Bundeswehr’s missile defense system with the advanced Patriot PAC-3 MSE, which is specifically designed to counter medium-range missiles and aircraft threats.
To expedite the delivery process, the German government has made full advance payments for the contract, ensuring its priority within the production sequence. The initial €641.6 million for the purchase will be covered by the Bundeswehr's special fund, while the €121.9 million required for the import sales tax will be drawn from the German defense budget. The payments are allocated based on the expected delivery schedule, with 75 missiles set to be delivered in 2028 and 45 in 2029.
In addition to the delivery of the missiles, the contract includes the provision for two Patriot PAC-3 MSE missiles to remain in the United States for batch monitoring purposes. Should these missiles not be needed for this purpose, they will be delivered to Germany after a minimum period of five years, ensuring their potential use in future operations or assessments.
The inclusion of the Patriot PAC-3 MSE missile system into Germany's defense arsenal is a crucial development in reinforcing the nation's air and missile defense capabilities, particularly in light of evolving security threats in Europe and the broader international context. The system’s advanced features, including enhanced target discrimination and high-altitude defense, make it a vital asset in safeguarding German and NATO airspace.
This acquisition further cements Germany's commitment to modernizing its defense systems, ensuring operational readiness and strengthening NATO’s collective security efforts.