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Patriot PAC-3 Missile Defense System

Patriot PAC-3 Missile Defense System

Brand: 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
Product Overview
Reviews

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	Active Electronically Scanned Array (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. Communication & Control

Control Type	Integrated Battle Management Network
Data Link Range	Link-16 / SATCOM / Secure Data Link
Navigation	Yes (Multi-Layer Integration)
Ground Control Station	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

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

PROS

Combat-proven with global deployment history
High interception success rate against ballistic missiles
AESA radar ensures superior tracking accuracy
Modular, mobile, and network-integrated design
Interoperable with NATO and allied defense systems

CONS

High acquisition and operational cost
Limited missile load per launcher
Requires skilled operators and support infrastructure
Vulnerable to saturation attacks from multiple targets
Maintenance-intensive radar and command components

Patriot PAC-3: America’s Premier Missile Defense System

Developed by Raytheon Technologies, the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) represents one of the world’s most capable surface-to-air missile (SAM) defense systems, engineered to protect against modern aerial and ballistic threats. First introduced in 1981 and continuously upgraded, the PAC-3 is the cornerstone of U.S. and allied integrated air defense networks, offering layered protection against a spectrum of airborne threats—from tactical ballistic missiles to enemy UAVs.

Design & Capabilities

At its core, the PAC-3 employs the AN/MPQ-65 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, capable of detecting and tracking over 125 targets at ranges up to 180 km. This high-precision radar system directs the PAC-3 MSE interceptor missile, which uses a hit-to-kill kinetic warhead—destroying incoming threats through direct impact rather than explosion. With speeds exceeding Mach 4.5, the system can engage targets at altitudes up to 24 km and ranges of 160 km.

The Patriot system operates as part of a broader integrated command and control network, supporting Link-16 and SATCOM connectivity for real-time battlefield coordination. Each battery includes multiple launchers (each carrying 4–16 missiles), a radar set, an engagement control station, and a generator unit, typically mounted on M983 HEMTT trucks for rapid mobility.

Operational Use

Combat-proven in Iraq, Yemen, and Ukraine, the PAC-3 remains the backbone of U.S. and NATO missile defense architecture, fielded by more than a dozen allied nations. Its modular design, autonomous engagement capability, and high interception rate—up to 90% against short-range ballistic threats—make it a critical shield against evolving air and missile challenges in 21st-century warfare.

Patriot PAC-3 Price in United State

The Patriot PAC-3 price in the United States varies depending on configuration, number of missiles, and support systems included. A complete Patriot PAC-3 battery, which typically includes radar units, launchers, command vehicles, and missiles, is estimated to cost around USD 1 billion per battery. Individual PAC-3 MSE interceptor missiles are priced at approximately USD 4–5 million each, reflecting the system’s advanced radar-guided precision, high-speed performance, and cutting-edge missile defense technology. The cost also includes maintenance, training, and integration within the broader U.S. and allied missile defense network, making the Patriot PAC-3 one of the most sophisticated yet expensive air defense systems currently in service.

Reviews

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