Image source: topwar.ru
Spain will strengthen its air defense with American Patriot anti-aircraft systems, and the latest version. According to the Pentagon's Office of Military Cooperation, the US State Department has approved the supply of complexes to the Spanish army.
Washington has approved the possible sale to Spain of four Patriot PAC-3+ anti-aircraft systems, as well as anti-aircraft missiles. All this will cost Madrid 2.8 billion dollars. According to the State Department, Patriot anti-missile systems will improve Spain's air defense capabilities, and since it is a NATO ally, this will have a favorable impact on US national security.
- the message says.
In total, Spain intends to purchase 24 Patriot M903 launchers, four AN/MPQ-65 radars, four AN/MSQ-132 fire control stations, generators and other related equipment. In addition, the delivery will include 51 anti-aircraft guided missile Missile Segment Enhanced (MSE), capable of intercepting long-range ballistic missiles.
To date, there are three Patriot PAC-2 complexes in service with the Spanish Armed Forces, with a total of 18 launchers. One Spanish complex covers the Turkish Incirlik airbase according to an agreement with NATO. Two more are in service with the 73rd Marine Anti-aircraft Artillery Regiment in Valencia. All complexes have already worked out the deadline and need major repairs and modernization. The purchase of new air defense systems will allow Spain not only to strengthen the air defense, but also to take off duty the old systems to update them. At least, such plans were announced earlier.
