Country: United States Of America
Service Type: Yes
Missile Type: Mobile surface to air missile
Washington DC (Washington Insider Magazine) — The MIM-104 Patriot is a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. It is a primary system that is in use by the United States Army and several allied states. The missile was manufactured by the U.S. defense contractor Raytheon. It drove its name from the radar component of the weapon system. The missile started operating in 1984. It replaced the Nike Hercules system which was the U.S. Army’s primary High to Medium Air Defense (HIMAD) system. Patriot also plays an important role in the U.S. Army’s anti-ballistic missile (ABM) system. It is expected to stay fielded until at least 2040
Specifications
Mass
- PAC-1/PAC-2: 914 kg (2,015 lb)
- PAC-3: 312 kg (688 lb)
- PAC-3 MSE: 373 kg (822 lb)
Length
- PAC-1/PAC-2: 5,310 mm (17 ft 5 in)
- PAC-3: 5,200 mm (17 ft 1 in)
- PAC-3 MSE: 4,826 mm (15 ft 10.0 in)
- PAAC-4: 4,600 mm (15 ft 1 in)
Diameter
- PAC-1/PAC-2: 410 mm (16 in)
- PAC-3: 255 mm (10.0 in)
- PAC-3 MSE: 300 mm (12 in)
- Warhead weight-200 lb (90 kg)
Recent Use In Battlefield
MIM-104 Patriot was recently used as a Talisman Sabre Exercise. In July 2021, the US Army used a battery of Patriot missiles during Exercise Talisman Saber. This missile was operated in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia.
The US Army did a test on the Patriot PAC2 interceptor missiles and was successfully intercepted as a target drone. This missile is in service and was used in Poland and Ukraine recently.
On 9 March 2022, the U.S. European Command shared in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, that it will be sending two MIM-104 systems as the defense systems for Poland. On 19 December, Ukraine President Zelenskyy talked also talked directly to US President Biden and had a potential transfer of Patriot missile systems.
On 20 December, President Biden’s administration stated that they will be sending another $1.85 billion in aid to Ukraine and that will also include a high-quality Patriot Battery. On 21 December, President Biden also confirmed during a meeting that the US will be sending this missile to President Zelenskyy. He confirmed at the White House that the United States will be sending some more Patriot batteries to Ukraine.
He stated that it might take some “months” to train the “dozens” of soldiers that will be required to use the system. MIM-104 was used in Germany and the system was paired up with the PAC-3.
It is believed that the unit would cost US$4 million per missile. It will provide the Patriot missile system a symbol of Western engagement during the conflict. On 5 January 2023, Germany announced that they will be supplying one Patriot battery to Ukraine. On 17 January 2023, there were reports that the Netherlands will send a Patriot battery, after making a tandem with Germany and the United States.
Buyers
MIM-104 Patriot has been in service for decades. Many countries have bought this missile. The following countries have purchased this missile:
Germany, Greece, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Netherlands, Qatar, Romania, South Korea, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Taiwan, and United Arab Of Emirates
FAQS
1. Is the MIM-104 Patriot Missile System Any Good?
The MIM-104 Patriot system is one of the most popular missiles and has been operating for decades. It is the most widely operated and has been proven to be highly reliable. This is a proven air missile defense system. It is a theater ballistic missile defense and can help defend Ukraine against Iranian-supplied ballistic missiles
2. How Many MIM 104 Patriots Does the U.S. Have?
The MIM-104 Patriot is a widely exported missile. Patriot was also one of the first tactical systems in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) that employed lethal autonomy and was used in combat. The United States Of America has over 10,000 MIM -104 patriot missiles.
3. What Is The Cost Of the MIM-104 Patriot Missile Price?
MIM-104 Unit costs around US$1 to 6 million
4. Can A MIM-104 Patriot missile Shoot Down A Plane?
The MIM -104 Patriot is a mobile surface-to-air missile. It is an antiballistic missile system and is capable to shoot down several incoming missiles. This missile has the power to block the missiles that hit are aiming towards the intended targets. Patriot batteries are capable to shoot down aircraft.
Read More: AGM-158C LRASM: Specifications, Buyers & Recent Use In Battlefield
5. Who owns The MIM-104 Patriot Missile?
This system is owned by more than 17 nations. The buyers include big countries like Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E., and Poland
