Global Supplies of U.S. Patriot Missile Systems Depleted Amid Ongoing Conflicts

Global supplies of the U.S. Patriot air defense system have seen a sharp spike in demand and a depletion of interceptor missiles due to the war in Ukraine and widening conflict in the Middle East. Ukraine is currently seeking more interceptors to defend against Russian ballistic missile strikes, while conflicts involving Iran have drained arsenals in the U.S. and the Gulf. Additionally, some European nations are retaining missiles for their own national defense.

Developed in the 1980s and first used in the 1991 Gulf War, the Patriot system is a mobile surface to air defense system built by Raytheon Technologies. It is designed to operate in all weather conditions and is expected to remain in service through 2048. A typical battery consists of radar and control systems, a power unit, launchers, and support vehicles. The system can intercept aircraft, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles.

Capabilities vary by interceptor type. The PAC 2 uses a blast fragmentation warhead, while the PAC 3 family utilizes hit to kill technology. Raytheon produces the PAC 2 GEM T for smaller targets, and Lockheed Martin produces the PAC 3 Missile Segment Enhancement, which can target longer range missiles and hypersonics. In July, Lockheed introduced the PAC 3 Adapted Capability Effector, which is intended to cost half as much as previous versions. The system radar can track up to 100 targets simultaneously with a range exceeding 150 km.

Nineteen countries currently operate the system, including the U.S. Japan, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar. Raytheon has delivered over 240 fire units. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a new Patriot battery costs over 1 billion dollars, with PAC 3 interceptors costing between 4 million and 5 million dollars each. While specific inventory numbers are classified, the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates that approximately 65 percent of U.S. Patriot interceptors were expended between February and July.