U.S. Navy Adds Patriot Missiles to Counter China’s Hypersonic Missile Threat
The U.S. Navy is planning to equip its ships with PAC-3 MSE Patriot Interceptor Missiles, a response to the growing threat of China’s hypersonic weapons in the Indo-Pacific region.
Traditionally a land-based air defense system used by the U.S. Army, these Patriot missiles will be adapted for naval defense, countering China’s rapidly modernizing military.
The PAC-3 missiles, built by Lockheed Martin, are being integrated with the Navy’s air defense systems. However, multiple interceptors are needed, pushing the U.S. Army to double production.
The U.S. sees Japan as a potential partner for joint missile production, while Lockheed Martin plans to establish a new production line in Florida to meet the demand.
Proven effective against hypersonic threats in Ukraine, the PAC-3 missiles require further testing to ensure compatibility with the Navy’s SPY-1 radar within the Aegis Missile System.
China’s DF-27, its latest and most advanced anti-ship ballistic missile, poses a significant threat with its 8,000-kilometer range and aerodynamic warhead, designed to evade defenses and strike moving targets.
Unlike the Navy’s SM-6, which detonates near its target, the PAC-3 has a direct hit capability, giving it an edge against high-speed threats, despite its shorter range.
Lightweight and compact, the PAC-3 weighs around 300 kg compared to the 1500 kg SM-6, allowing for more flexible deployment across the U.S. Navy’s fleet in the Indo-Pacific.