The US Army’s Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space (CPE), responsible for defensive fire capabilities, issued a request for information last week, publicly announced on 18/5. This call invites defense companies to submit designs for low-cost air defense missiles compatible with the Patriot system.

General Frank Lozano, the US Army's executive officer for weapon procurement, stated, "We are conducting an aggressive competition for low-cost interceptors and components. We will soon host an Industry Day in Washington to attract maximum interest and participation from the entire missile industry."

Be phong Patriot khai hoa trong dien tap ban dan that tai El Paso, bang Texas, My thang 11/2023. Video: US Army

The US Army's request specifies a maximum price of "not more than one million USD" for each new missile for the Patriot system. The average cost of each advanced PAC-3 MSE missile has increased to approximately 5,3 million USD, up from a previous average of 4 million USD.

The one million USD cost is divided equally among four component groups: the complete missile with fire control system, engine, seeker, and guidance system. The US Army also seeks information on contractors capable of fully assembling all these components using parts from various sources.

The service intends for the complete missile to be deployable on the existing M903 Patriot launcher and to utilize the newly fielded Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) network. The current M903 launcher can accommodate the latest PAC-3 versions and older PAC-2 models.

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"Low-cost interceptor missiles will supplement air and missile defense systems, countering jet aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles with a range under 1,000 km", the request for information stated.

The current Patriot system can counter all these targets, but the cost of interception is high due to the expensive PAC-3 MSE. Joseph Trevithick, editor of the US military specialized publication War Zone, noted, "Relatively inexpensive new-generation interceptor missiles will offer supply chain and inventory advantages, especially when mass-produced."

Ten lua PAC-3 MSE roi be phong trong mot cuoc thu nghiem o My. Anh: Lockheed Martin

According to Trevithick, conflicts in the Middle East and US efforts to support partners, particularly Ukraine, underscore the need for sufficient interceptor missiles and other munitions in arsenals. The combat readiness of US Army Patriot units is currently insufficient to meet demands, let alone future conflicts with peer adversaries.

Trevithick commented, "The US Army is working to expand its Patriot force and improve system capabilities by adding radars and other equipment. The Pentagon has reached an agreement with PAC-3 MSE manufacturer Lockheed Martin to increase production. However, these steps will take many years to complete, and the supply chain still faces limitations."

Nguyen Tien (According to War Zone, AFP, AP)