The US Army Operational Test Command’s Air and Missile Defense Test Directorate (AMDTD) has started testing the upgraded Patriot missile system.
The year-long test will assess the upgrades, the latest one since 2018.
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A highly mobile air defence guided missile system, the Patriot engages and intercepts both aircraft and tactical ballistic missile threats.
The system is suited to operate in any weather condition and in natural or induced environments.
The Army’s AMDTD commenced the testing process in June this year, along with the participation of 65 soldiers and 135 government civilians.
The process involved the services of soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 6th Air Defense Artillery Test Detachment (ADATD), 30th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, and several government agencies.
The 3-6 ADATD, a unit based in White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, tests air defence equipment.
The ADA soldiers tested the upgraded system under several simulations and environments, as well as conducted live fire tests.
This will help the US Army Test and Evaluation Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, to deliver a comprehensive assessment of the new upgrade and ensure it is ready for deployment.
Apart from software and hardware upgrades, the Patriot will also feature a user-friendly interface.
3-6 Patriot Fire Control Enhanced operator maintainer soldier sergeant Angel Quinones said: “I think it’s a lot more beneficial for incoming soldiers that are newer to the branch.”
“It’s a lot easier to pick up. It would be super easy to train with it as well, instead of [like] us training them how to memorise a full database, we just need to know key words now.”
In July, the US State Department approved a $1.219bn sale of Patriot MIM-104E Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical ballistic missiles to the Netherlands.
