US increases Patriot missile range to respond to North Korea

(Baonghean.vn)- Amid prolonged tensions related to North Korea's ballistic missile program, the US has conducted a test of an upgraded version of the Patriot missile system, which the country says is to help protect its allies against a range of threats.

» Rumors again spread that North Korea may test missiles

A Patriot system intercepts a target at a missile test site in New Mexico. Photo: AP

In an interview with Warrior magazine published on November 28, Army Brigadier General Robert Rasch said the new missile, complete with radar systems, electronics, software, and next-generation firepower range technology, has been tested by the US Army recently.

“The new missile system allows us to achieve higher altitudes and increased ranges,” General Rasch stressed. “Our Patriot modernization efforts have reduced the size of the weapon hardware and achieved reliability, availability and maintainability, fast processing speed, smaller mainboards and improved control.”

This latest upgrade is part of the PAC-3 Patriot air defense missile upgrade program using a new missile (PAC-3 MSE), thereby better intercepting airborne objects, including drones, helicopters, cruise missiles, long-range tactical ballistic missiles, and high-speed aircraft.

South Korea and Japan are two of 12 countries that purchased the Patriot missile system, initially developed by the Raytheon weapons manufacturing group, and later upgraded by Lockheed Martin./.

Lan Ha

(According to PressTV)