European NATO members, including Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Spain, have reached an agreement to purchase up to 1,000 Patriot air defense missiles.
Patriot launcher platform. Image credit: Bogdan Pantilimon via Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NATO announced on Wednesday that its procurement arm would assist this group of member countries in purchasing the missiles.
The contract for production and delivery was awarded to COMLOG, a joint venture between Raytheon and MBDA.
This collaborative multinational procurement aligns with the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) and aims to achieve economies of scale while expanding production capacity for new GEM-T missiles to meet growing demand, according to NATO.
Why patriot missiles are important for Europe?
Patriot missiles are of significant importance for Europe as they serve multiple critical roles in modern defense.
First, Patriot missiles form the backbone of contemporary air defense systems, tasked with intercepting and neutralizing various airborne threats, including aircraft, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. This is particularly important in light of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Their adaptability allows target engagement at different altitudes, making them effective against a diverse range of potential attacks. The mere presence of Patriot systems acts as a deterrent, dissuading potential aggressors by showcasing a robust defense against aerial threats.
Their integration into larger defense networks, working alongside other systems and sensors, enhances the overall effectiveness of air defense. Patriot missiles can effectively safeguard critical assets, such as military installations, population centers, and strategic infrastructure.
Written by Alius Noreika