WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M., March 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The newly upgraded Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) Patriot Integrated Air and Missile Defense system has again proven that it can destroy a ballistic missile with different kinds of interceptors fired in rapid succession.

The combat-proven Patriot system, upgraded with a suite of improvements collectively known as Post-Deployment Build 8 (PDB-8), successfully detected, tracked and engaged a threat-representative ballistic missile target in a March 17 test. It then destroyed the target by first firing a PAC-3 MSE interceptor and, seconds later, a GEM-T interceptor.

The PDB-8 upgrade, which was funded by the 13-nation Patriot partnership, allows Patriot to take advantage of many of the PAC-3 MSE's advanced capabilities.

"Patriot users around the globe are currently employing interceptor mixes in ongoing combat operations to increase cost-effectiveness and provide commanders with operational flexibility," said Ralph Acaba, Raytheon vice president of Integrated Air and Missile Defense. "This latest test ensures the 13-nation-strong Patriot partnership will have an enhanced ability to use different interceptors in the PDB-8 configuration to defend against a broad spectrum of threats."

PDB-8 builds on the lessons learned from more than 200 combat engagements, 1,400 flight tests and 3,000-plus ground tests.

The PAC-3 MSE destroys threats via the force of the collision. The lower-cost combat-proven GEM-T interceptor flies close to threats and explodes, destroying the missile or aircraft in the process.

Ballistic missiles move extremely fast and potentially carry weapons of mass destruction. That is why commanders require the operational flexibility to fire multiple interceptors at the threat.

The test was witnessed by representatives from 7 of the 13 Patriot partner nations, as well as delegations from Poland and Sweden. Poland has stated it is interested in procuring Patriot.

About Global Patriot Solutions

Raytheon's Global Patriot Solutions is the most advanced portfolio of air and missile defense technologies in the world, providing comprehensive protection against a full range of advanced threats, including aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. Patriot is continually upgraded and enhanced to leverage the latest technology. Thirteen nations depend on Patriot as the foundation for their defense.

About Raytheon

Raytheon Company, with 2015 sales of $23 billion and 61,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 94 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5I^TM products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. Visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @Raytheon.

Raytheon Company
Integrated Defense Systems
Tewksbury, Mass.

Media Contact
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SOURCE Raytheon Company