Raytheon awarded support contract by Kuwait for Patriot air defense system.

On behalf of the government of Kuwait, the US Army has awarded Raytheon Southeast Asia Systems of Andover, Mass., a $9.9 million modification (#P00015) to a previously existing Foreign Military Sales contract (W31P4Q-16-C-0022) for technical assistance, planning, training, maintenance, and sustainment of the Kuwait phased array tracking radar to intercept on target missile (MPQ-65 PATRIOT) weapon systems, equipment, and logistics support elements. The contracted work will be performed in Andover, Mass., with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2019.

Patriot air defense system (Picture source: Raytheon)

The MIM-104 Patriot is a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, the primary of its kind used by the United States Army and several allied nations. Patriot uses an advanced aerial interceptor missile and high performance radar systems. The Patriot system is modular and highly mobile. A battery-sized element can be emplaced in less than 1 hour. Patriot systems have been sold to Taiwan, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Spain.

Poland hosts a battery of Patriot launchers in Morag since 24 May 2010. The system will be integrated into the Polish air defence system until 2012. The Republic of Korea is also in the process of purchasing several second-hand Patriot systems after North Korea test-launched ballistic missiles to the Sea of Japan and proceeded with underground nuclear testing in 2006. The role of the PATRIOT is to defend against airborne threats as part of an integrated air and missile defence system.

Notable characteristics of the PATRIOT system include a short response time, the ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously, good ground mobility, and the ability to resist electronic jamming. The first PATRIOT air defence systems were deployed by U.S. Forces in the mid-1980s. During the first Gulf War, it was used to defend against the Iraqi Scud missile threat. The PATRIOT system has evolved over the years as the threat has changed and technology has advanced. The current PATRIOT variants are equipped with advanced interceptor missiles and high-performance radar systems. PATRIOT stands for “Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target”. The role of the PATRIOT is to defend against airborne threats as part of an integrated air and missile defense system. Notable characteristics of the PATRIOT system include a short response time, the ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously, good ground mobility, and the ability to resist electronic jamming.