ANDOVER, Mass., — April 14, 2026 : Raytheon, a business unit of RTX, has signed a $3.7 billion direct commercial sale contract to provide Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile–Tactical (GEM-T) interceptors to Ukraine, aimed at strengthening the country’s air and missile defense capabilities.
The agreement covers the delivery of GEM-T interceptors, an upgraded variant of the Patriot Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2) missile family used by U.S. forces and international operators. The missiles are designed to counter a range of airborne threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and hostile aircraft. Raytheon did not disclose a delivery timeline.
System Role and Technical Capabilities
The GEM-T interceptor serves as a principal effector within the Patriot air defense system. It incorporates enhanced guidance and fuse systems to improve engagement performance against maneuvering and low-altitude targets. Unlike the PAC-3 interceptor, which uses a hit-to-kill approach optimized primarily for ballistic missile defense, the GEM-T employs a proximity-fuzed warhead and supports a broader mission set.
The Patriot system is a ground-based air and missile defense network that uses phased-array radar to detect and track threats before launching interceptors to neutralize them prior to impact. In Ukraine, Patriot batteries have been deployed to protect urban centers, critical infrastructure, and military installations from long-range aerial attacks.
European Production and Industrial Role
Production for the contract will be centered at a new GEM-T manufacturing facility in Schrobenhausen, Germany, operated by COMLOG, a joint venture between Raytheon and MBDA Deutschland. The site is intended to support this contract as well as additional international orders.
The facility is part of broader efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience and accelerate replenishment of interceptor inventories. Expansion work at the Schrobenhausen site has been underway since 2024 to address increasing demand across European and allied defense programs.
Capacity Expansion and Corporate Investment
Raytheon stated it is increasing production capacity for GEM-T interceptors through internal investments, second-sourcing initiatives, and expansion of its global supply chain.
“Raytheon is focused on maximizing production capacity, ensuring a steady, reliable supply of these combat-proven interceptors for the U.S. and allies like Ukraine who rely on Patriot to protect their citizens, infrastructure and sovereignty,” said Phil Jasper.
RTX reported more than $88 billion in global sales in 2025 and is expanding manufacturing output to meet growing international demand for air and missile defense systems.
Strategic Context and Previous Procurement
The contract forms part of ongoing international efforts to sustain Ukraine’s air defense requirements amid continued missile and drone attacks. Patriot remains one of the most widely fielded air and missile defense systems globally, serving as the foundation of air defense for 19 countries, including NATO members such as Germany and Netherlands.
Earlier related procurement included a $478 million contract in 2024 awarded through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency to replenish GEM-T missiles donated by partner nations, including Germany, to Ukraine.
The latest agreement reflects continued coordination between industry and allied governments to maintain interceptor availability and support layered air defense operations across Ukraine and other regions facing elevated demand.
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