Sweden Joins the Patriot Club

On Friday August 10 the Swedish government signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance to formalize an agreement to buy the Raytheon Patriot missile system via a U.S. Army-contracted Foreign Military Sales program. Sweden announced the selection of the Patriot over the Eurosam SAMP/T last November as the nation seeks to enhance its defenses in the face of growing tension in Europe over Russia’s posture. Deliveries are due to begin in 2021, according to Sweden’s defense minister, Peter Hultqvist, bringing a missile-defense capability to the Swedish forces they have hitherto lacked.

Under the deal, Sweden will acquire four Patriot Configuration 3+ fire units, each with AN/MPQ-65 radar and control station, and 12 M903 launchers. Although the number of interceptors has not been announced for the initial $1.2 billion deal, U.S. Congressional approval has been granted for the sale of up to 100 MIM-104E GEM-T (guidance enhanced missile-tactical ballistic missiles) and 200 PAC-3 MSE (Patriot advanced capability-3, missile segment enhancement) interceptors. This could bring the total bill to more than $3 billion.

Sweden becomes the seventh customer for the PAC-3 MSE, joining the U.S., Qatar, Japan, Romania, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates. The missile has increased range/altitude performance thanks to a dual-pulse solid-propellant rocket motor. Its high speed and maneuverability allow it to undertake hit-to-kill intercepts, destroying its target by kinetic energy alone in body-to-body engagements, with capabilities against missiles and aircraft. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor.

Patriot has experienced a surge in orders from Europe in recent months in the face of an emboldened Russian stance. In March Poland signed a $4.75 billion deal for two Patriot batteries of two fire units each for service to begin in 2022 and is now negotiating for an early upgrade to the system with 360-degree AESA radar. Last November, Romania signed a deal that could be worth up to $3.9 billion for seven Patriot Configuration 3+ fire units, and 56 GEM-T and 168 PAC-3 MSE interceptors.

Elsewhere in Europe the Patriot system is in service with Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, and Spain. Patriot is also a named contender for Switzerland’s “Air 2030” requirement, along with the SAMP/T and the Rafael/Raytheon David’s Sling system from Israel. “Air 2030” proposes a major overhaul of Switzerland’s air defenses and encompasses new fighters as well as ground-based systems. A public referendum is due to be held concerning the project in 2020.