US Navy to arm destroyers with Patriot missiles

The U.S. Navy is moving to significantly upgrade the air and missile defense capabilities of its Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. A new contract has been awarded to integrate the Patriot PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor with the ships' Aegis Combat System. This integration would allow the Navy's premier surface combatants to engage ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft using the Army's primary air defense weapon. The service is also planning a major procurement, seeking to buy 405 of the PAC-3 MSE missiles in Fiscal Year 2027.