Patriot Missile System

Encyclopedia of Espionage, Intelligence, and Security, (2004)

Patriot Missile System

Among the world's most advanced ground-based air defense systems, the Patriot Air and Missile Defense System is in service to the United States and other nations. The missile system, produced jointly by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, was a notable feature in the Persian Gulf War of 1991 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Since 1991, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has spent more than $3 billion in further improvements. As effective as the Patriot has been, however, its record is not flawless.

Among the most significant aspects of the Patriot missile system are the multifunction phased array radar, the track-via-missile guidance with midcourse correction commands and ground radar downlink, and the human override to its automated operations. The system also includes an engagement control station, electronic power plant vehicle, as many as 16 remote launching stations (each with four Patriots ready to fire), and an antenna mast group for communications.

In the Persian Gulf War, allied forces used the Patriot to stop Iraqi Scud missiles, particularly when Saddam Hussein's military fired on Israel. After the war ended, DOD invested in numerous upgrades such as the development of the Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile Plus (GEM ), which includes a new fuse and a low-noise front end that increases the sensitivity to low radar targets. With 148 missiles contracted, Raytheon delivered the first GEM models in November 2002.

Despite the successes of the Patriot in Operation Desert Storm, there were mishaps, as when a Patriot at Dharan, Saudi Arabia, failed to intercept an incoming Scud on February 25, 1991, resulting in the deaths of 28 Americans. During Operation Iraqi Freedom 12 years later, the Patriot was involved in several unfortunate incidents, including the downing of a British Royal Air Force Tornado

Senator Patrick Leahy (with camera) peers over the shoulder of President Bush during a ceremony for the signing of the Patriot Act in the White House East Room in October 2001. AP/WIDE WORLD PHOTOS .

with two airmen aboard on March 23, 2003. Aside from the United States, nations that possess Patriots include Germany, Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Taiwan, Greece, and the Netherlands. Patriots have also been cleared for sale to Egypt.