The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to South Korea of 64 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles.
The sale, which was announced by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 13 September, is valued at $501 million and covers the latest variant of the PAC-3 MSE Missiles.
“The Republic of Korea (ROK) has requested to buy 64 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) Missiles. Also included are 2 PAC-MSE Test Missiles, range and test programs, publications and technical documentations, training equipment, spare parts, personnel training, U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support,” said in the DSCA’s statement.
The ROK will use the Patriot missile system to improve its missile defense capability, defend its territorial integrity and deter threats to regional stability. The proposed sale will increase the defensive capabilities of the ROK Military to guard against hostile aggression and shield the allies who train and operate within South Korea’s borders. The ROK should have no difficulty absorbing this system into its armed forces.
Also, the Defense News noted that In 2015, South Korea ordered PAC-3 interceptors and launcher modification kits to help upgrade its used PAC-2 systems bought from Germany.
The PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) is an evolution of the battle-proven PAC-3 Missile.
The hit-to-kill PAC-3 MSE provides performance enhancements that counter evolving threat advancements.
The PAC-3 MSE design utilizes the latest technology to significantly increase performance. The PAC-3 MSE incorporates a larger, dual pulse solid rocket motor; larger fins; and upgraded actuators and thermal batteries to accommodate increased performance. The modifications extends the missile’s reach.
The PAC-3 MSE is packaged in a single canister that stacks to provide logistical flexibility. Twelve individual PAC-3 MSE Missiles can be loaded on a PATRIOT Launcher or a combination of six MSEs and eight PAC-3 Missiles (two four packs) can be loaded.