And the company has also agreed a contract to supply the system to Turkey worth £3.5billion – despite concerns over Ankara’s decision to invest in Russia’s S-400 missile system as well. The announcement comes against a backdrop of mounting tension, with the US giving Ukraine $10million to boost its navy after three vessels were involved in a confrontation with a Russian warship recently, and ongoing concerns about China’s military build-up in the South China sea. The contract includes deliveries for the US Army and Foreign Military Sales of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) and PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) interceptors, launcher modification kits and associated equipment.
Jay Pitman, vice president of PAC-3 programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said: “PAC-3 and PAC-3 MSE give our customers unmatched, combat-proven hit-to-kill technology to address growing and evolving threats.
“PAC-3 and PAC-3 MSE are proven, trusted and reliable interceptors that employ hit-to-kill accuracy, lethality and enhanced safety to address dangers around the world.”
PAC-3 missiles are described by Lockheed Martin as “high-velocity interceptors that defend against incoming threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft.”
In total, 13 nations – the US, Germany, Kuwait, Japan, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, the Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, Romania, Poland and Sweden have chosen PAC-3 and PAC-3 MSE to provide missile defence capabilities.
Building on the combat-proven PAC-3, the PAC-3 MSE uses a two-pulse solid rocket motor that increases altitude and range to defend against evolving threats.
The announcement, posted late Tuesday evening on the website of the United States’ Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), covers the procurement of 80 Patriot MIM-104E Guidance Enhanced plus 60 PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement missiles, plus associated equipment.
Turkey has decided against purchasing the Patriot twice, firstly in 2013 when it chose a Chinese system which it later dropped out of, and last year, when it said it finalised the S-400 deal.
The S-400 is problematic for the relationship between the US and Turkey, a member of NATO, with Pentagon officials and NATO leaders adamant Turkey cannot be allowed to link the S-400 into allied systems, for example integrating it with F-35 fighter jets.
The two systems have different capabilities.
The S-400 is a mobile system, with a very long range, while the Patriot is a medium-range system.
A DCSA spokesman said prior to the announcement Turkey would “use Patriot to improve its air and missile defense capability, defend its territorial integrity, and deter regional threats.
“The proposed sale will increase the defensive capabilities of the Turkish military to guard against hostile aggression and shield NATO allies who might train and operate within Turkey’s borders.”
The Turkey deal will include includes four AN/MPQ-65 Radar Sets, four Engagement Control Stations, 10 Antenna Mast Groups, 20 M903 Launching Stations, and five Electrical Power Plant III systems.
However, in order for it to go through, it must be approved by the US Senate.
Based in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
This year the company received three Edison Awards for ground-breaking innovations in autonomy, satellite technology and directed energy.