Patriot Missile

Why in News?

US President Donald Trump has announced to give Patriot missiles to Ukraine which will be paid for by the European Union.

Features of Patriot Missile

• Full name: Patriot (Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target: PATRIOT)
• Development: By Raytheon Technologies (RTX.N)
• Capability: Surface-to-air missile defense system
• Technology:
  • Radar and control systems in a specific battery
  • A power unit
  • Launcher
  • Support vehicle
• This system can intercept aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles and cruise missiles depending on the interceptor used.
• User countries: 19 countries including the US, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Egypt.
•  The capabilities of this system depend on the type of interceptor used.
  • The PAC-2 interceptor used a blast-fragmentation warhead that struck near the target.
  • The PAC-3 missile uses more precise technology that strikes the target directly.
  • The PAC-3 CRI interceptor has a range of over 150 km (93 miles).