Pentagon buys PAC-2 missiles for first time in 30 years

The United States has procured PAC-2 missiles for its Patriot air defence system for the first time in approximately 30 years, according to a report by The War Zone, citing data from defence contractor Raytheon.

Since the 1990s, the Pentagon had focused exclusively on acquiring the more advanced PAC-3 MSE interceptors, while maintaining its PAC-2 inventory through upgrades of existing stockpiled missiles rather than new purchases.

The absence of new PAC-2 procurement had drawn scrutiny from the House Armed Services Committee. In a report accompanying the draft National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2027, lawmakers noted that GEM-T missiles continue to play an effective role in complementing PAC-3 systems under real-world combat conditions.

The GEM-T (Guidance Enhanced Missile–Tactical) configuration remains the only PAC-2 variant currently in production. It features an enhanced seeker and an upgraded fuze designed to intercept high-speed ballistic missiles and targets with low radar cross-sections.

Current Patriot launch systems are capable of deploying a mixed loadout, integrating larger PAC-2 missiles alongside PAC-3 interceptors.

By Tamilla Hasanova