US STATE DEPARTMENT CLEARS $1.2 BILLION SALE OF PATRIOT MISSILE SYSTEM TO THE NETHERLANDS

The United States Department of State has given its nod for a foreign military sale of 96 Patriot Missiles Systems to the Netherlands, in a deal estimated to be around $1.2 billion in value.

The Netherlands, a major NATO ally, had requested to purchase the MIM-104E Patriot SAM system, or GEM-T in order to enhance the capability of its defence forces to meet “current and future threats”. The long-range missile system, manufactured by Raytheon, is one of the most deadly SAM systems in the world, with an operational range of 70km -160 km and an operational altitude of 24km, a 90 kg warhead, and a maximum speed of Mach 5+, and also the ability to shoot down ballistic missiles.

The missile system is already operational in many countries across the globe, including Germany, Greece, Israel, Japan, and other US allies. The purchase of Patriot missiles, amongst others, is part of the Dutch government’s plan to increase annual military spending by $5 billion, and upgrade and overhaul Netherlands’ military capabilities to better operate alongside fellow EU and NATO countries, against the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Included in this plan, along with the missile deal, is the purchase of additional 6 F-35 fighter aircraft, artillery systems, and coastal defence assets.