What is the Patriot missile system and why are supplies depleted worldwide?

The Patriot missile system, developed by U.S. weapons manufacturer Raytheon Technologies, is a mobile surface-to-air defense system capable of intercepting aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles in various weather conditions. First deployed in the 1991 Gulf War and continuously modernized since, the system has seen heightened global demand since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The Patriot system, which can be equipped with different types of interceptors, is overseen by a radar, control systems, a power unit, launchers, and support vehicles. Its capabilities vary depending on the interceptor used: earlier PAC-2 interceptors employ a blast-fragmentation warhead to destroy targets, while the advanced PAC-3 family uses hit-to-kill technology to physically collide with the target.

Lockheed Martin manufactures the more recent PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement, which can engage longer-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft, and hypersonic weapons.

There are over 240 Patriot fire units worldwide, with 16 nations operating the system, including the U.S., Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Six to eight countries have requested additional missiles due to depleted stocks. The system costs around $1 billion for a new battery, with each interceptor missile priced at approximately $4 to $5 million.

However, the production and deployment of these interceptors are facing challenges. The U.S. has exhausted nearly 65% of its Patriot interceptors between February and July, leaving fewer than 850 available, compared to 2,330 prior to the Iran war. Many Gulf states have also depleted their supplies, and some European nations have transferred their remaining stockpiles to Ukraine. The U.S. is actively negotiating the possibility for Ukraine to produce some components of the interceptor missiles for final assembly in Europe.