US Army Orders Older PAC-2 Patriot Missiles as Iran Conflict Depletes Stocks

The U.S. Army has placed a $441.6 million contract modification with Raytheon to produce Patriot Guidance‑Enhanced Missile‑Tactical (GEM‑T) interceptors, upgraded versions of the PAC‑2 Patriot system. Work will be done at Raytheon's Chambersburg, Pennsylvania plant, with delivery required by 30 September 2026. This marks the first domestic purchase of PAC‑2 missiles in more than three decades and follows the estimated expenditure of 1,060–1,430 Patriot interceptors between February and early April 2026 as U.S. forces tried to counter Iran’s missile and drone attacks.

PAC‑2 missiles, which use blast‑fragmentation warheads, are less capable than newer PAC‑3 hit‑to‑kill variants, but the Army’s newer interceptor stocks cannot keep pace with consumption, especially after transfers to Ukraine, Israel and Gulf allies. A separate report cited by The Telegraph says the Pentagon is facing broader missile‑interceptor shortages, raising concerns about prolonged operations against Iran and possibly not fully communicated to senior leadership. The Pentagon has not confirmed these reports.