Patriot PAC-3 goes to sea: The United States successfully tested a new weapon to protect the fleet
Integration of the PAC-3 MSE anti-aircraft missile into the Mk41 vertical launcher, which will significantly expand the use of ammunition.
Lockheed Martin has successfully tested the Patriot PAC-3 MSE anti-aircraft missile from the Mk41 Vertical Launch System. This was reported by The War Zone.
The successful interception of the mock cruise missile from Patriot is a significant step forward for the future integration of the air defense system on naval platforms. It could also help in a potential large-scale conflict between the United States and China.
In the press release it is noted that PAC-3 MSE in this configuration was successfully tested for the first time in the virtualized weapon system of the Aegis complex.
Characteristics of the PAC-3 MSE missile
“These systems can provide the United States with a proven integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) capability with growing capabilities to help defend against today’s agile threats,” said Tom Copeman, vice president for strategy and naval programs.
It is also noted that the PAC-3 MSE anti-aircraft missiles are capable of defending against modern threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and even hypersonic missiles on the Hit-to-Kill principle. The publication notes that the Navy considers the threat of missiles to be significant, as China and Russia are developing and producing various types of such weapons. Cruise missiles are cheaper than ballistic or hypersonic missiles, so their proliferation is significant.
On May 16, the media reported that the United States was planning to provide Ukraine with Patriot air defense systems.
On May 14, Germany announced that it had handed over a third Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. The total amount of aid for 2024 will be 7 billion euros.
