Germany Order 120 PAC-3 MSE Interceptors for Patriot Air Defence System

Germany has officially placed an order for 120 PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors to enhance its Patriot air and missile defence system. The purchase, valued at EUR 763.5 million, was approved by the German Bundestag’s Budget Committee on December 18, 2024. This acquisition is part of Germany’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities amid evolving security challenges.

The procurement is being facilitated through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, which enables allied nations to purchase American military equipment under the same conditions as the U.S. Armed Forces. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the PAC-3 MSE missiles, has been contracted as the primary supplier. In order to secure an early delivery position, the German government has made an advance payment covering the entire contract cost. The Bundeswehr’s special fund will finance EUR 641.6 million, while the remaining EUR 121.9 million in import VAT will be covered by the defence budget upon delivery.

Germany is set to receive 75 of these advanced interceptors in 2028, with the remaining 45 arriving in 2029. Additionally, two missiles will remain in the United States for potential lot verification. If these missiles are not required for testing, they will be delivered to Germany after a minimum of five years.

The PAC-3 MSE is a vital component of the Patriot air defence system, offering enhanced capabilities to counter advanced aerial threats, including ballistic and cruise missiles. This purchase underscores Germany’s commitment to modernizing its air defence network as geopolitical tensions persist in Europe and beyond.