The US State Department has approved the potential $8.5-billion sale of Patriot air defense systems with the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) to Denmark.
The Danish government has requested the purchase of a range of Patriot systems and related equipment, including 36 Patriot MIM-104E Guidance Enhanced Missiles-Tactical (GEM-T) and 20 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) missiles.
GEM-T is designed to intercept aircraft, cruise missiles, and specific ballistic threats, while the PAC-3 MSE is optimized to counter advanced ballistic missiles and emerging hypersonic threats.
GEM-T has an engagement envelope of 70 to 160 kilometers (43 to 100 miles), depending on the target.
In comparison, the PAC-3 MSE can intercept ballistic missiles at ranges of 35 to 60 kilometers (22 to 37 miles) and aerodynamic targets, such as aircraft and cruise missiles, at ranges of 60 to 100 kilometers (37 to 62 miles).
Meanwhile, the IBCS fuses data from different sensors to create a single, integrated air picture and coordinate the engagement of threats with the most effective interceptor.
“The proposed sale will improve Denmark’s capability to meet current and future threats by increasing its combat capability,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated.
“Denmark will use these munitions to defend NATO Allies and its partners.”
The principal contractors for the potential sale are RTX Corporation, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman.
The approval by the US State Department is contingent upon subsequent authorization by Congress.
The approval follows Copenhagen’s procurement of the VL MICA short-range air defense system from MBDA France and the IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense system from Diehl Defence.
For long-range air defense, Denmark is weighing options between the US-made Patriot and the Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG system.
Denmark decommissioned its Hawk air defense system in 2004, creating a gap in the country’s ground-based air defense capabilities.
Although the sale has been approved, the likelihood of Denmark acquiring the US system remains low, given its lengthy waiting period, noted Danish defense analyst Hans Peter Michaelsen.
The delay is driven by soaring demand, notably from Ukraine, and by broader global efforts to bolster air defenses amid heightened security concerns.
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