The Patriot system, formally known as the MIM-104 Patriot, is a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by the United States and primarily used for air and missile defense. Here's a concise overview:
Overview
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Name: MIM-104 Patriot (Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept On Target)
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Type: Surface-to-air missile (SAM) system
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Origin: United States
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Manufacturer: Raytheon (missile and system), Lockheed Martin (PAC-3 missile variant)
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Users: United States, Germany, Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Poland, Romania, Ukraine (limited), and others.
? Main Capabilities
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Primary role: Air defense against aircraft, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles.
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Missiles:
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PAC-2: Effective against aircraft and some ballistic threats.
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PAC-3: Smaller, more agile, hit-to-kill interceptor, highly effective against ballistic missiles.
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Radar: AN/MPQ-65 phased array radar with advanced target tracking and engagement capability.
? System Components
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Radar Set – Detects and tracks targets.
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Engagement Control Station – Operator command center.
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Launchers – Typically 4–8 per battery, each with multiple missiles.
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Power Plant – Generators for radar and control units.
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Missiles – PAC-2 GEM, PAC-3 CRI, or PAC-3 MSE.
Combat Performance
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Proven in multiple conflicts, including:
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Gulf War (1991) – Initial real-world use (performance debated).
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Iraq War (2003) – Used more effectively.
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Yemen/Saudi Arabia (2015–) – Used to intercept Houthi missiles.
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Ukraine (2023–2024) – Intercepted Russian ballistic and hypersonic missiles (e.g., Kinzhal).
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Limitations & Criticism
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Expensive: Each PAC-3 MSE missile can cost over $4 million.
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Limited Magazine: Each launcher has 4–16 interceptors (depending on missile type).
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Radar Vulnerability: AN/MPQ-65 radar must be forward-deployed and is a high-value target.
PAC-2 GEM-T (Guidance Enhanced Missile - Tactical)
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Target Type: Aircraft, cruise missiles, some ballistic missiles
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Maximum Range:
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Against aircraft: ~160 km (100 miles)
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Against ballistic missiles: ~20–35 km
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Altitude: Up to ~24 km (75,000 ft)
PAC-3 CRI (Cost Reduction Initiative)
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Target Type: Tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft
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Maximum Range:
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Against ballistic missiles: ~35–50 km
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Against aircraft/cruise missiles: ~60–70 km
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Altitude: ~20 km
PAC-3 MSE (Missile Segment Enhancement) – Latest and most capable
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Target Type: Ballistic missiles, including some hypersonic threats
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Maximum Range:
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Against ballistic missiles: ~60–100 km
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Against aircraft/cruise missiles: ~120–160 km (depending on the threat profile)
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Altitude: Up to 30–35 km (approx.)
