Switzerland to get Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles from US

Europe, News, US November 3, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

Switzerland signed an agreement to purchase Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles and support equipment from the United States.

Under the agreement, Switzerland’s Armed Forces will acquire PAC-3 missiles and related support equipment from the U.S. defense firm Lockheed Martin.

Switzerland’s Federal Office for Defence Procurement, Armasuisse, and the U.S. defense manufacturer Lockheed Martin also finalized the Offset Agreement supporting the PAC-3 MSE program.

According to the Lockheed Martin statement, “This agreement is the catalyst for multiple new projects that will support Switzerland’s security-relevant technology and industry base (STIB).”

Vice President of PAC-3 Programs at Lockheed Martin, Brenda Davidson said that after signing the agreement, “Switzerland joins 14 other nations in strengthening their homeland defense against evolving threats.” Davidson added, “We’re honored to partner with Switzerland to equip the Switzerland Armed Forces with the latest in air and missile defense technology to protect and defend Switzerland airspace from incoming threats.”

As part of the Switzerland Air Force’s Air2030 program, the European country aims to strengthen its ground-based air defense system by acquiring one of the most advanced air defense missiles, PAC-3.

*^{Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement Missile. (Image Credit: Lockheed Martin)}*

Patriot Advanced Capability-3 MSE is a high-velocity interceptor that defends against incoming threats. The PAC-3 missiles can effectively counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft.

The PAC-3 MSE missile has a two-pulse solid rocket motor that increases the altitude and range performances. It can also be integrated with the THAAD weapon system, the U.S. Army’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System, as well as the F-35. Lockheed Martin is also working to integrate the PAC-3 MSE with the Aegis Weapon System.

In March 2023, Lockheed Martin updated the PAC-3 software and successfully tested it by engaging and intercepting an advanced medium-range ballistic missile target. “PAC-3 MSE continues to prove its effectiveness against a variety of advanced targets,” Lockheed Martin said in a statement.