On July 17, 2024, Spain officially became the sixteenth nation to join the group of countries enhancing their air defense capabilities through the acquisition of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles. This development was formalized through the signing of a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with the U.S. Department of Defense.
The agreement entails the purchase of up to 51 PAC-3 MSE missiles as part of Spain’s initiative to modernize its missile defense system. This move aims to bolster the nation’s defenses against a variety of threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons, and aircraft.
The PAC-3 MSE is an advanced version of the original PAC-3 missile, designed to counter a broad range of air and missile threats. Enhanced with a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, the PAC-3 MSE offers increased range and altitude, enabling it to defend against more complex threats.