A batch of PAC-3 MSE missiles for Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems, which were purchased under the Wisla program, arrived in Poland. The delivery was confirmed by the Secretary of the Armaments Agency, Lieutenant Colonel Krzysztof Płatek.

What is known

As part of the first phase of the Wisla program, the Polish Armed Forces purchased 208 PAC-3 MSE interceptors. The missiles for the Patriot are manufactured by the American company Lockheed Martin. They allow you to provide protection against a wide range of airborne threats, including aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as ballistic and cruise missiles.

The Patriot launcher holds up to 12 missiles. In the first phase of the Wisla program, Poland acquired 16 launchers to form two batteries of units. The PAC-3 MSE is equipped with an active radar seeker, which allows the interceptor to operate without a dedicated radar. The missile receives data about the target thanks to the integrated combat control system IBCS (Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System).

The United States first tested the Patriot PAC-3 anti-aircraft missile system in 1997, and three years later it was put into service. Patriot PAC-3 can destroy targets at an altitude of up to 20 km, which are moving at a speed of 1600 m/s. The effective range and height of the PAC-3 MSE remain a mystery. Probably, the height exceeds 30 km.

The PAC-3 MSE offers a wide range of countermeasures against fast and maneuverable threats. At the same time, the Pentagon states that the full potential of the new missile will be revealed only after the integration of the LTAMDS radar.

Source: Defense24