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Patriot MIM-104 Air Defense System

Patriot MIM-104 Air Defense System

Manufacturer: Raytheon Technologies
Category: Defense Systems
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Maximum Range 160 km
Maximum Altitude 24 km
Radar Detection Range 150–300 km
Missile Speed Mach 4.5

Full Specifications

1. General Information

System Name	MIM-104 Patriot PAC-3
Manufacturer	Raytheon Technologies
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) System
In Service	Yes
Year Introduced	1981
Unit Cost	USD 1 Billion (Estimated per Battery)

2. Performance & Capabilities

Maximum Engagement Range	160 km
Maximum Engagement Altitude	24 km
Target Types	Aircraft, Ballistic Missiles, Cruise Missiles, UAVs
Interception Probability	90% (Short-Range Missiles)
Reaction Time	9–15 seconds
Radar Detection Range	150–300 km

3. Missile Specifications

Missile Type	PAC-3 MSE / GEM-T
Missile Length	5.0 m
Missile Weight	312 kg
Warhead Type	Fragmentation / Proximity Fuse
Warhead Weight	90 kg
Speed	Mach 4.5

4. Radar & Fire Control

Radar Type	AESA Radar
Radar Name	AN/MPQ-65
Detection Range	150–180 km
Tracking Capacity	125+ Targets
Guidance System	Command + Semi-Active Radar Homing
Fire Control System	Automated Digital Fire Control System

5. Launcher & Mobility

Launcher Type	Mobile / Truck-Mounted
No. of Missiles per Launcher	4–16
Reload Time	30–60 minutes
Mobility Platform	M983 HEMTT Truck / Tatra 8x8
Crew Required	3–5 personnel

6. Command & Control

C2 System	Integrated Battle Management Network
Connectivity	Link-16 / SATCOM / Secure Data Link
Network Capability	Yes (Multi-Layer Integration)
Operation Mode	Autonomous / Networked / Manual Override

7. Operational Use

Primary Operator	USA, Germany, Japan, Israel, South Korea
Combat Proven	Yes
Conflict History	Iraq War, Yemen, Ukraine
Notable Feature	Multi-Layered Defense Capability

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

8.3

Technology 9 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Operational Flexibility 8 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 8 / 10

PROS

Proven performance in real combat scenarios
Long-range detection and interception capability
AESA radar with high tracking capacity
Mobile, truck-mounted launcher configuration
Strong multi-layer integration with U.S. and NATO networks

CONS

Very high procurement and sustainment costs
Requires significant crew training and maintenance
Large radar signature compared to newer systems
Limited 360° coverage without additional components
Complex logistics for deployment and resupply

Patriot MIM-104 Air Defense System

The MIM-104 Patriot is one of the United States’ most advanced and widely deployed air and missile defense systems, developed to counter evolving aerial threats ranging from tactical ballistic missiles to cruise missiles, UAVs, and high-performance aircraft. Manufactured by Raytheon Technologies, the Patriot has become a cornerstone of U.S. and allied integrated air defense architectures, with decades of modernization ensuring relevance in modern high-threat environments.

Overview & Capabilities

Originally introduced in 1981, the Patriot system has undergone multiple upgrades, culminating in the PAC-3 and PAC-3 MSE variants. These improvements deliver significant enhancements in accuracy, lethality, radar performance, and interception probability—particularly against ballistic missiles. The system’s primary radar, the AN/MPQ-65 AESA radar, offers long-range detection and multi-target tracking, supporting engagements in dense and contested airspace.

The Patriot’s engagement range of up to 160 km and altitude reach of 24 km allow it to provide wide-area defense for critical infrastructure, military bases, and strategic assets. Its missile interceptors reach speeds of Mach 4.5, enabling rapid response against high-speed incoming threats. Designed for mobility, Patriot batteries are mounted on heavy tactical trucks such as the M983 HEMTT, allowing quick repositioning in dynamic combat scenarios.

Operational Use

The Patriot has been widely used across conflict zones including the Iraq War, Yemen conflict, and the Ukraine war, demonstrating its value in intercepting advanced ballistic and cruise missile threats. Operators such as Germany, Israel, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. continue to modernize their Patriot fleets, ensuring compatibility with multi-layered integrated air defense networks through systems like Link-16 and satellite communications.

Patriot MIM-104 Price

The price of a full Patriot MIM-104 battery varies by configuration, training, and support packages, but U.S. defense estimates place the cost at around USD 1 billion per battery, with individual interceptor missiles costing between USD 2–4 million depending on variant.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the MIM-104 Patriot system?

The MIM-104 Patriot is designed to provide long-range air and missile defense against aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs. It protects military bases, critical infrastructure, and high-value assets by detecting, tracking, and intercepting incoming threats using an integrated radar, command system, and interceptor missiles.

What was the success rate of the MIM-104 Patriot?

Patriot success rates vary by variant, mission, and conflict. The PAC-3/PAC-3 MSE interceptors have demonstrated high effectiveness, with reported real-world performance often in the 80–90% range against short-range ballistic missiles, depending on engagement conditions. Earlier Patriot variants had lower and more inconsistent performance in past conflicts like the Gulf War.

Why did the Patriot missile fail?

Failures typically occurred due to legacy software issues, radar synchronization errors, limited early-generation tracking capabilities, or engagement complexities when facing high-speed ballistic or low-flying cruise missiles. Most failures are associated with older Patriot variants (pre-PAC-3 era), not the modernized Patriot configurations deployed today.

Can the Patriot shoot down an F-35?

In theory, the Patriot system can attempt to engage any aircraft within range, but the F-35’s stealth design, advanced electronic warfare systems, and low radar cross-section make detection and interception extremely difficult. In practical terms, an F-35 is highly unlikely to be successfully intercepted by a Patriot battery under real combat conditions.

Reviews

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