The Netherlands ordered new launchers for Patriot air defense systems

30 August, 2024 Launcher M903 Patriot air defense system of the Polish army. August 2024. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Poland

The U.S. State Department has authorized the possible sale of M903 launchers for the Patriot air defense system to the Netherlands. The relevant document was published on the official website of the Office of Defense Cooperation of the U.S.

Department of Defense. As part of this order, the Netherlands will receive two new M903LS launchers and will also upgrade its own M901 launchers to the M903 level. The total value of the order is £224 million, which will also include spare parts, training, logistics package, etc.

M903 launcher of the Patriot SAM.

Illustrative photo

The procurement and modernization of the M903 will enable the Netherlands to more effectively use Patriot air defense missile systems with the new MIM-104F anti-aircraft missiles. This type of missile was developed specifically for use against ballistic targets, as well as for effective interception of cruise missiles. The modernized launcher will allow for the deployment of a new type of transport and launch containers, which will increase the total number of missiles on the launcher to 16 (PAC-3 ) and 12 (PAC-3MSE).

The upgrade of the Netherlands' air defense is part of NATO's overall program to strengthen the Alliance's defense capabilities to counter the Russian missile threat.

Launcher of the Patriot PAC-3 system with MSE missiles. Photo credits: U.S. Department of Defense

In addition to the Netherlands, orders for the Patriot were placed by Germany, Sweden, and Ukraine.

Also, as part of the expansion of support and production of MIM-104 missiles, the United States has decided on European countries that will produce missiles and spare parts: Spain, Germany, and Romania.

The Spanish company Grupo Oesia plans to localize the production of elements for PAC-3 MSE missiles used by Patriot anti-aircraft systems.

At the same time, Romania has begun to deploy the production of SkyCeptor interceptor missiles for Patriot air and missile defense systems.