NATO is buying 1,000 Patriot missiles for $5.5B

The MIM-104 Patriot is one of the most widely-used air defense systems in service with the United States and its allies. Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has received three complete Patriot batteries and an additional four launchers; Germany donated two batteries and two launchers, the U.S. donated one battery, and the Netherlands donated two launchers. As the Russo-Ukrainian War continues and escalates, NATO is taking steps to strengthen its defenses, including a contract for 1,000 Patriot missiles.

On January 3, 2024, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency announced that it will support a coalition of Germany, the Netherlands, Romania and Spain with a contract for a combined purchase of up to 1,000 Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missiles. “Valued at $5,5 billion, this is one of the biggest-ever purchases by NATO’s Support & Procurement Agency,” NATO spokesman Matthias Eichenlaub posted on X.

"This contract demonstrates that NSPA, as a primary enabler of the Alliance, can successfully deliver effective and cost-efficient multinational solutions to nations, while reinforcing European industrial capacities," NSPA General Manager Stacy Cummings said in an agency press release. "Through close Euro-Atlantic cooperation between allies and industry, NSPA has enabled the consolidation of requirements through the award of this complex contract. Customer nations have achieved economies of scale, reduced their logistics footprint, and are obtaining capable solutions and support under a proven turnkey legal framework."

The NSPA press release notes that the production and delivery contract for the missiles went to COMLOG GmbH, a 50/50 joint venture between MBDA Germany and Raytheon. Founded in 1987, the company has performed maintenance for over 5,000 Patriot PAC-2 missiles. To support the new contract, COMLOG will expand the production capacity of GEM-T missiles in Europe. The contract also includes qualification of updated components, addition of new suppliers, test equipment, and spares for future sustainment.

The Patriot is one of the Big Five systems acquired by the Army in the late 20th century to carry the force into the 21st century. First used in combat during Operation Desert Storm, the Patriot has since been upgraded with new warheads and guidance systems to combat different types of and more advanced weapons. Ukraine has successfully used the Patriot missile to intercept Russian Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles.