Last Updated: 02/14/2011*

RMS Tech IDEX 11 Patriot Inset Pic When Raytheon begins deliveries of the newest Patriot Air and Missile Defense System later this year, only the name and external look of the system will be the same.

The combat-proven Patriot has undergone a resurgence of interest in the last few years, resulting in the upgrading and modernization of nearly every component.

“Today’s Patriot is a modern state-of-the-art system,” said Sanjay Kapoor, vice president of Patriot Programs at Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. “From the Modern Man control station, to the upgraded radar, to the improved GEM – T missile…every component has been given the most current technology to provide the critical air and missile defense capability.”

Raytheon is the prime contractor for international Patriot Air and Missile Defense System and the system integrator for the Patriot Advanced Capability – 3 missiles.

Raytheon has had a continuous presence in the United Arab Emirates since 1983 when they first provided support for the HAWK air defense system. In December, 2008, they were awarded a $3.3 billion Foreign Military Sales contract to provide the advanced Patriot air and missile defense capability, whole life support and training to the UAE.

“Patriot has a heritage unmatched by any air and missile defense system in the world,” added Kapoor. “However, the modernized production systems will have the benefit of significant engineering improvements which increase reliability and reduce maintenance requirements. Basically, we’re making the best system even better.”