THE HISTORY OF PATRIOT MISSILES​

An Overview of Patriot Missile Systems

Patriot missiles, as industry experts know, are surface-to-air defense missile systems built to intercept opposing missiles, drones, and other aircraft. These missiles were originally developed by the United States Army in the late 1970s and use a combination of tracking systems, radar, and complex fire control computers to detect and engage with their chosen targets.

Most Patriot missile systems utilize hit-to-kill technology, which aims to destroy targets by direct impact guided radar and onboard flight control systems as opposed to an explosive warhead. Additionally, Patriot missile defense systems are manufactured with a radar set, an engagement control station, and missile inceptors, as well as several launchers to effectively defend larger areas from an overhead attack.

A History of Patriot Missile Defense Systems

Used in major conflicts such as the Gulf War, Iraq War, and the Syrian Civil War, Patriot missile systems have been regularly upgraded in order to accommodate the needs of the United States and allies such as Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and more. With that in mind, here is a brief overview on the history of Patriot missile defense systems:

• 1976: The idea of developing Patriot missile systems started as a way to improve and expand upon mobile air defense systems.
• 1986: The Patriot PAC-1 became the first operational Patriot missile battery in the United States Amy. This design went on to be utilized against Iraqi ballistic missiles throughout the Gulf War.
• 1990: As a further improvement on the Patriot missile defense systems of the Patriot PAC-1, the Patriot PAC-2 was introduced and featured a different missile design and a modified radar component.
• 2001: Not long after the Patriot PAC-2 debuted, the Patriot PAC-3 was introduced and approved for combat. The features of this new Patriot missile system included a completely reimagined design and hit-to-kill technology to destroy enemy targets.
• 2003: Throughout the Iraq War, PAC-2 and PAC-3 systems were used interchangeably to combat Iraqi tactical ballistic missiles.
• 2015: The PAC-3 MSE was introduced with more modernized radar software and missile design. From 2015 to today, Patriot missile defense systems continued to adapt to incorporate new technology and remain a valued defense mechanism for the U.S. Army and allies worldwide.

FAQs – Additional Things to Know About Patriot Missiles

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions that we receive about Patriot missile defense systems.

What is the range of a Patriot missile system?

With the latest Patriot missile designs, the system’s radar can detect threats at a range of over 100 km (or 60 miles) and can fly approximately the same distance. This makes their scope of defense wider when compared to other equipment.

How accurate are Patriot missiles at attacking potential threats?

In recent testing, Patriot missile defense systems have an over 90% success rate, though their real-world performance can vary depending on the type and severity of a given threat.

What is the mobility like on a Patriot missile defense system?

One of the greatest advantages of Patriot missile systems is their ability to relocate to new sites fairly quickly. This means a Patriot missile’s battery can be prepared to launch in a matter of minutes for a quick turnaround time during combat.