Netherlands Upgrading Air Defence Capabilities

The Netherlands is seeking to improve its missile defences with a $224 million purchase of new Patriot launchers and conversion kits from Lockheed Martin and RTX.

As per a U.S. Department of Defence statement yesterday (Thursday), its State Department has approved the potential sale of two new M903 launching stations (LS), plus equipment to upgrade its existing M901 LS to the M903 LS configuration. The proposed deal also includes Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) launcher conversion kits, spare parts, and technical and logistics support.

The M903s are the most up-to-date and technologically sophisticated versions of the remotely operated, self-contained launching stations. The PAC-3 versions of the missiles themselves are more manoeuvrable than previous variants thanks to added Attitude Control Motors (ACMs) which fine-tune trajectory in flight. They can also self-acquire targets once launched, rather than relying on ground-based guidance, and are accurate enough to select, target, and home in on the warhead portion of an inbound ballistic missile.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) release noted: "This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

"The proposed sale will improve the Netherlands’ missile defense capability to meet current and future enemy threats. The Netherlands will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense, deter regional threats, and provide direct support to coalition and security cooperation efforts."

The principal contractors are Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, located in Grand Prairie, TX, and RTX Corporation, located in Arlington, VA. 

You can read the full details of the proposed sale on the DSCA website