NATO Awards Raytheon $478 Million Contract for Patriot Missiles to Germany

NATO Awards Raytheon $478 Million Contract for Patriot Missiles to Germany

NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency awards Raytheon a $478 million contract to supply Germany with Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missiles (GEM-Ts), replenishing its stocks.

Key Points
  • NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) awarded Raytheon a $478 million contract to supply Germany with Patriot GEM-T missiles.
  • GEM-T missiles are designed to engage tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft.
  • Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway are financing the procurement through NSPA.
  • Germany recently delivered 100 Patriot missiles to Ukraine.
  • Ukraine operates at least four Patriot systems and requires additional units to protect its airspace.

The Luxembourg-based NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has awarded Raytheon, a leading weapons manufacturer, a $478 million contract to supply Germany with Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missiles (GEM-Ts). This contract aims to replenish Germany’s stockpile of these advanced missiles, crucial for its defense capabilities.

The GEM-T variant of the Patriot missile is specifically designed to engage tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft. With each unit costing an estimated $6 million for European buyers, these missiles are a significant investment in maintaining robust defense systems.

The funding for this procurement is being supported by Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, showcasing a collaborative effort within NATO to bolster regional security. The NSPA, NATO’s logistics and procurement agency, plays a pivotal role in coordinating these efforts to ensure member nations are well-equipped.

In July, Defense Express reported that Germany had completed the delivery of 100 Patriot missiles to Ukraine, part of a pledge made in June. The specific variants of the missiles supplied were not disclosed, but this move underscored Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.

Raytheon’s production capacity currently stands at approximately 240 units of the GEM-T missile annually. This capacity ensures a steady supply to meet the demands of NATO allies and maintain readiness against potential threats.

According to the Financial Times, as of June, Ukraine was operating at least four Patriot systems donated by the US and Germany. However, the exact number of missiles in Ukraine’s arsenal remains unclear. In April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine needed a minimum of seven Patriot systems to protect its strategic assets effectively. Ideally, the country would require 25 Patriot systems to secure its airspace against Russian aerial threats comprehensively.

This substantial contract not only strengthens Germany’s defensive capabilities but also reinforces the collective security framework within NATO. As geopolitical tensions persist, the collaborative efforts of NATO members in securing advanced defense technologies remain crucial in maintaining regional stability and security.