US Orders Patriot 2 Missiles After 30-Year Hiatus Amid Global Demand

The U.S. military is restocking its Patriot missile defenses, placing its first order for the older Patriot 2 (PAC-2) interceptors in more than 30 years. Raytheon, the manufacturer, announced it secured a substantial order for GEM-T interceptors, a variant of the PAC-2, including over $5 billion from international clients and the first U.S. Army order in three decades.

This procurement reflects the significant depletion of air defense missile stockpiles driven by ongoing conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East. The U.S. Army's need to replenish its inventory underscores the heightened global demand for air defense capabilities. While the U.S. has been acquiring the more advanced PAC-3 MSE, the continued production and ordering of GEM-T interceptors indicate its ongoing relevance and the need for a mixed deployment strategy to counter various aerial threats.

The strain on global supply chains is evident, with several allied nations, including Switzerland, Germany, Japan, Poland, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, experiencing delays in receiving their Patriot missile systems. The decision to re-enter PAC-2 production not only reaffirms the missile's combat value but also exposes the critical shortage and supply chain challenges within the global Patriot missile ecosystem, which are unlikely to ease in the short term.

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The company's second quarter saw nearly $20 billion in orders, including over $5 billion for Patriot 2 GEM-T interceptors from international customers and the first U.S. Army GEM-T production order in more than 30 years.