Spain is now looking to develop its defence system as it has awarded Raytheon Technologies a contract worth $17 billion. This contract involves the delivery of four Patriot (Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target) air and missile defence systems.
Spain Turns To Raytheon Technologies To Help Boost Its Defence System
Raytheon Technologies announced its new contract from Spain on 23rd December. The details on this contract are slim, as the main information are that the US defence contractor Raytheon Technologies will develop four Patriot air and missile defence systems for Spain.
This system will be capable of detecting, tracking, and destroying incoming aircraft and missiles that pose a threat to Spain. Similar systems developed by Raytheon Technologies are currently being utilised by the US and others as its primary air and missile defence system.
Raytheon Technologies is no newcomer with regard to working with Spanish firms on the Patriot system. The US defence firm has worked with Sener, a Spanish defence firm, for the supply of electro-mechanical control systems for the missiles used in the Patriot system.
Germany, the Netherlands, and Romania have also placed orders for Patriot systems, while Ukraine is looking to sustain its Patriot system. Spain is now joining the queue of nations in Europe looking to strengthen its defence system.
Cost Of Operating The Raytheon Technologies Patriot System
The contract from Spain to build four Patriot systems costs $17 billion, so its operating cost shouldn’t be cheap. Yes, the operating cost of the Patriot system isn’t cheap, according to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies; a newly produced Patriot battery costs $1 billion.
This cost comprises the system, which costs over $400 million and the missiles in the battery, which cost $690. With this system in place, Spain will be able to protect itself from air and missile threats.