According to information released by the United States Defense Security Cooperation Agency on September 24, 2020, the U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Netherlands of Patriot Advanced Capability‑3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $241 million.
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Patriot launcher unit on a trailer of the Dutch Army. (Picture source Army Recognition)
The Government of the Netherlands has requested to buy thirty-four (34) Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles. Also included are eight (8) kitted 2-pack PAC-3 MSE Missile Round Trainers (MRT), six (6) kitted 2-pack PAC-3 MSE Empty Round Trainers (ERT), four (4) PAC-3 MSE Skid Kits, one (1) Lot of Classified PAC-3 MSE Concurrent Spare Parts (CSPs), one (1) Lot of Unclassified PAC-3 MSE CSPs, and PAC-3 MSE repair and return processing support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated program cost is $241 million.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Northern Europe.
This proposed sale will improve the Netherlands’ missile defense capability to meet current and future enemy threats. The Netherlands will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats and provide direct support to coalition and security cooperation efforts. The Netherlands will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.
The prime contractor will be Lockheed-Martin, Dallas, TX. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor(s).
Currently, the Netherlands armed forces have a total of 20 MIM-104D/F Patriot PAC-2 GEM/PAC-3.
The PAC-3 MSE is an enhanced missile of the Patriot long-range, all-altitude, all-weather air defense system designed to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft. It is produced by Raytheon in Massachusetts and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Florida.
In 2003, Lockheed Martin received a contract to increase the altitude and range of the PAC-3 missile. The missile received the larger, more powerful dual-pulse motor for added thrust, along with larger fins and other structural modifications for more agility.
The PAC-3 MSE's revolutionary two-pulse solid rocket motor provides increased performance in both altitude and range – while employing the same proven hit-to-kill technology that the PAC-3 Missile uniquely brings to the Patriot system.
