The U.S. Army has awarded Raytheon a $441.6 million contract to produce additional PATRIOT GEM-T interceptors, expanding missile defense capacity for Operation Epic Fury and strengthening protection against incoming ballistic and cruise missile threats. The award was announced by the U.S. Department of War (Department of Defense) on May 1, 2026. The decision directly increases interceptor stockpiles at a time when U.S. forces must prepare for complex, high-volume aerial attacks in contested environments. The GEM-T interceptor is designed to track and destroy tactical ballistic missiles and maneuvering air threats at range, providing a combat-proven layer within the PATRIOT system. Expanding production enhances sustained air defense operations, improves resilience against saturation strikes, and supports broader efforts to reinforce integrated missile defense and deterrence. Read full Defense News at this link …
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| PATRIOT GEM-T missile: an upgraded interceptor designed to destroy cruise missiles, drones, and tactical ballistic missiles using enhanced guidance and proximity-fuze detonation for greater effectiveness against maneuvering and low-signature threats. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War/Defense) |
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