According to budget documents reviewed by RIA Novosti, in 2027 the U.S. Army will receive fewer interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems due to a significant price increase.
Since 2022, the cost of one Patriot PAC-3 MSE missile for the U.S. military has increased by more than 30%. In fiscal year 2023, the purchase price was $3.825 million, but by 2027 it reached $4.988 million.
The price increase has already affected the 2025 order. With the allocated $885.7 million, the troops expected to receive 230 munitions, but after a cost review, the expected number was reduced to 194. Deliveries of this batch will begin only in September 2027.
At the same time, the U.S. need for such missiles has sharply increased. In April 2025, the Army raised its target procurement volume for PAC-3 MSE more than fourfold, from 3,376 to 13,773 units.
Last week, CNN reported that the U.S. had expended about half of such munitions during the operation against Iran. In addition, the Pentagon is still replenishing stocks after deliveries to Ukraine that continued since 2022. U.S. President Donald Trump, responding to Volodymyr Zelensky's requests for additional transfers, said that Patriot munitions are needed for his own country.
Because of the high cost of interceptors, the U.S. military is seeking a cheaper alternative. In June, Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll demanded that new budget options be developed within a year, with first working prototypes presented within six months. According to the Wall Street Journal, the cost of one such missile should be less than $250,000.
Source: RIA Novosti