It was in 2018 that the US government approved Sweden’s request to purchase the Patriot air defense system that will protect against incoming targets in the air. The USA then granted a maximum ceiling for the delivery of Patriot to Sweden, which corresponds to 3.2 billion dollars. This means that the Patriot deal could eventually become one of the largest Swedish arms orders since the Jas 39 Gripen fighter aircraft. FMV has not currently placed an order for the entire amount.
– Patriot is developed to be able to meet helicopters, airplanes, ballistic robots and cruise robots, pretty much all air targets, says Christer Mellgren who is project manager for Air Defense System 103, which is the Swedish name for Patriot.
Last fire unit
Now the Defense Materiel Administration has handed over the fourth and last fire unit to the Armed Forces. Thus, the first part of the Patriot deal is complete. According to FMV, that part costs around SEK 9-10 billion.
The delivery includes four fire units. Each fire unit has a wiring site, a power station, a radar and three lavatories. In addition to this, there is command equipment for the battalion level for the two Swedish anti-aircraft battalions which are to be fully equipped in 2025.
Now the next phase of the business is taking place. FMV has placed a new order for robots, which are the most expensive part of the weapon system.
– We have ordered more robots, says Christer Mellgren at FMV.
When are they delivered?
– I can’t go into that. They will be delivered in batches over the next few years.
Permit for 300 robots
According to Official document of the United States In 2018, Sweden received permission to purchase the latest version of the Patriot air defense system. The license permits the sale of a maximum of 300 robots to Sweden.
It is about 100 of the PAC-2/GEM-T model, which are larger robots with a more powerful charge and a longer range. Sweden also wants to buy 200 PAC-3 robots. But FMV does not say how many robots Sweden has ordered.
– I cannot go into the number of robots that we ordered, but it is within the limit approved by the American Congress.
But new orders have been placed, then?
– Yes, a new order has been placed for additional robots.