This decision marks a swift and somewhat unconventional procurement process. Only last December, the Germnan Parliament agreed to the acquisition of PAC-2 GEM-T interceptors worth approximately EUR 3 billion for Germany’s PATRIOT air defence system. These interceptors are being procured through a framework contract with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). This contract, valued at EUR 5.1 billion, serves multiple user states including Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Spain.
The framework agreement includes up to 1,000 Patriot GEM-T missiles if all options are exercised. It aims to qualify components, onboard new suppliers, and procure testing equipment and spare parts to maintain future capabilities. To facilitate delivery, COMLOG is expanding production capacities for GEM-T missiles in Europe. The PAC-2 GEM-T missiles ordered in December are being produced by MBDA in Germany, marking the first qualified production line for these missiles outside the USA.
However, approved missile order is outside the NSPA framework and is being procured directly from the manufacturer, excluding MBDA Deutschland from production.
Despite the procurement process causing some friction, the capabilities of the PAC-2 GEM-T missile are undisputed. The current PAC-2 GEM+ (GEM-T) missiles used in Germany are designed to counter ballistic medium-range missiles and cruise missiles and are technologically up-to-date.
Alongside the GEM-T, the Bundeswehr’s PATRIOT system also employs the PAC-3 MSE missile. Launchers can be equipped as needed with either four GEM-T or eight PAC-3 missiles, or a mixed load of four PAC-3 and GEM-T missiles.
In conjunction with the interceptor acquisition, another was approved on Jule 3 for the procurement of four additional PATRIOT air defence systems. This proposal, initiated by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, seeks to extend the contract signed in March this year for four new PATRIOT units to include four more systems.
Each of the four new units will comprise a command post, launchers for the PATRIOT missiles, radar systems, and additional equipment. PATROT remains one of NATO’s most reliable air defence systems, currently used by eight European nations to defend against cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, drones, and aircraft.
