The US and Switzerland have signed an agreement for the purchase of Lockheed Martin’s Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles.
Bern requested the US to buy 72 PAC-3 MSE missile rounds for an estimated $700 million last year.
The Patriot’s most advanced configuration will bolster Switzerland’s five Patriot batteries, which it bought in 2021 in a $2.2 billion deal.
Offset Agreement
Lockheed and Switzerland’s arms procurement agency also signed an offset agreement supporting the PAC-3 MSE program.
It’s likely to spawn new projects supporting Switzerland’s security-relevant technology and industry base.
“We’re honored to partner with Switzerland to equip the Switzerland Armed Forces with the latest in air and missile defense technology to protect and defend Switzerland airspace from incoming threats,” said Lockheed Vice President of PAC-3 Programs Brenda Davidson.
“Switzerland joins 14 other nations in strengthening their homeland defense against evolving threats.”
PAC-3 MSE Features
The PAC-3 is a high-velocity interceptor that employs hit–to-kill technology to knock out targets through body-to-body contact.
The missile features a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, providing enhanced performance, range, and altitude.
It’s capable of intercepting aerial threats such as tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft.
