The Netherlands has signed as the first international customer for the Lockheed Martin Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missile system, becoming the first of three countries expected to order PAC-3 equipment over the next year.
Japan has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, and negotiations are under way to resolve Japan's requirement for a co-development deal. A formal agreement is expected to be reached this year and a contract signed by early 2005.
Taiwan, meanwhile, has a approved a NT$145 billion ($4.3 billion) budget to buy three PAC-3 air-defence batteries (Flight International, 15-22 June), but is still moving through the MoU approval process, says Steve Graham, vice-president, PAC-3 missile programme for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
Existing Raytheon Patriot operator the Netherlands has signed a $33.9 million contract for PAC-3 missile support equipment, comprising enhanced launcher electronics systems and fire solution computers that allow its current batteries to launch the next-generation missiles. A follow-on order for missiles is expected to be inserted into the US Army's next yearly production contract, which is set to be awarded in December.
* The UK Ministry of Defence has signed a $144 million contract with Raytheon Missile Systems for AIM-120 C-5 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles. The purchase is an interim solution for its beyond visual range air-to-air missile requirement. The missiles will be manufactured in the UK and from 2007 will equip the Royal Air Force's Eurofighter Typhoons - until the MBDA Meteor enters service in 2012 - and Panavia Tornado F1s.
STEPHEN TRIMBLE / WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
