Raytheon Wins $1.7 Billion Deal to Supply 4 Patriot Air Defence Systems to Spain

Raytheon, an RTX business, has been awarded a $1.7 billion Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract to supply four advanced Patriot air and missile defence systems to the Spanish Armed Forces, marking one of the most significant enhancements to Spain’s air defence posture in recent years. The deal, confirmed on December 23, 2025, encompasses a comprehensive suite of equipment, including radars, launchers, command and control stations, and training resources, aimed at strengthening Spain’s ability to counter evolving aerial and ballistic threats.
Reuters

In announcing the award, Pete Bata, Senior Vice President of Global Patriot at Raytheon, emphasised the strategic importance of modernising Spain’s air defence architecture, stating that such upgrades are “vital to Spain’s security and sovereignty.” Bata highlighted close cooperation with the Spanish government and domestic defence industry, reinforcing Spain’s readiness to confront dynamic threat environments.

Strategic Collaboration With Spanish Industry

Under the contract, Raytheon will work closely with Spanish defence firms, notably Sener, which is contributing electro-mechanical control systems for the GEM-T (Guidance Enhanced Missile–Tactical) missile as part of the broader Patriot supply chain. The partnership reflects ongoing efforts to integrate Spanish industrial capabilities into major defence programmes, supporting local employment, technology transfer, and industrial participation.

The Patriot system, widely recognised as the only combat-proven, ground-based air and missile defence solution, is capable of engaging long-range cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles, and a broad spectrum of aerial threats. It serves as the cornerstone of integrated air defence for 19 allied nations, with its advanced radar and interceptor technologies credited with hundreds of successful engagements in conflicts worldwide.

Spain’s Current Air Defence Fleet

Spain has been steadily modernising its air and missile defence capabilities in recent years. The Spanish Army currently operates Patriot missile units, supported by other systems such as NASAMS and legacy HAWK batteries, forming a layered air defence network designed to counter threats across multiple ranges.

According to available defence data, Spain maintains three Patriot batteries in active service, primarily with the Regimiento de Artillería Antiaérea nº 73, and operates approximately 18 Patriot M901 launchers. Plans are underway to integrate newer interceptors, including the PAC-3 MSE, to enhance ballistic missile defence performance.

Beyond long-range systems, the Spanish Armed Forces employ a mix of short- and medium-range air defence assets, including NASAMS for medium-range engagements and various short-range systems and anti-drone technologies, creating a multi-tiered defensive posture against contemporary aerial threats.

Broader European Context

Spain’s contract follows a series of Patriot orders placed in 2025 by other European allies, including Germany, the Netherlands, and Romania, highlighting growing regional demand for advanced air and missile defence solutions amid heightened security concerns across Europe.

Defence analysts note that strengthening integrated air and missile defence is central to Spain’s contribution to NATO collective defence, aligning national capabilities with alliance priorities. The newly ordered Patriot systems are expected to significantly augment Spain’s defence posture once delivered and integrated, building on existing capabilities to address current and future threats.

Officials from Spain’s Ministry of Defence have not yet disclosed detailed delivery timelines, but the programme is expected to progress over the coming years as part of broader modernisation efforts within the Spanish Armed Forces.