Germany to order Patriot PAC-3 MSE Missile Segment Enhanced from U.S..

The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Germany of Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Missiles Segment Enhanced (MSE) with support for an estimated cost of $401 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on July 12, 2019.

PAC-3 MSE missile at MSPO defense exhibition in Poland, September 2017. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The Government of Germany has requested to buy fifty (50) Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Missiles Segment Enhanced (MSE). Also included are PAC-3 MSE launcher conversion kits; Missile Round Trainers (MRTs); Empty Round Trainers (ERTs); Launcher Stations (LS) heater controllers; PAC-3 ground support equipment; concurrent spare parts; documentation and publications; PAC-3 MSE shorting plugs; Quality Assurance Team; missile canister consumables; missile skid kits; PAC-3 MSE repair and return; missile Field Surveillance Program (FSP) for PAC-3 MSE; U.S. Government transportation; MSE launcher spare parts; PAC-3/MSE GMT kits; MSE DC motor kits; targets; Telemetry; U.S. Government range support; MSE flight test support; U.S. Government and contractor engineering; technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated value is $401 million.

The PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) is an evolution of the battle-proven PAC-3 Missile. The hit-to-kill PAC-3 MSE provides performance enhancements that counter evolving threat advancements. The enhancements ensure the PAC-3 Missile Segment of the PATRIOT Air Defense System is capable of engaging new and evolving threats. The hit-to-kill PAC-3 Missile is the world’s most advanced, and capable theater air defense missile and defender against the entire threat to the PATRIOT Air Defense System: Tactical Ballistic Missiles (TBMs) carrying weapons of mass destruction, evolving cruise missiles and aircraft.

The PAC-3 MSE design utilizes the latest technology to significantly increase performance. The PAC-3 MSE incorporates a larger, dual pulse solid rocket motor; larger fins; and upgraded actuators and thermal batteries to accommodate increased performance. The modifications extend the missile’s reach.

The PAC-3 MSE is packaged in a single canister that stacks to provide logistical flexibility. Twelve individual PAC-3 MSE Missiles can be loaded on a PATRIOT Launcher or a combination of six MSEs and eight PAC-3 Missiles (two four packs) can be loaded.