Spain has confirmed the acquisition of four new Patriot air defense systems from the United States for a total amount of US$1.7 billion, under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract awarded to Raytheon, a company belonging to the RTX group. This represents the largest Patriot system order placed by Spain to date.
The contract, announced on December 23, 2025, includes the supply of radars, launchers, command and control stations, as well as training equipment intended to strengthen the country’s air defense capabilities. The deal is part of Spain’s Armed Forces modernization plans and efforts to enhance airspace protection against aerial and missile threats.
In this regard, Pete Bata, Senior Vice President of Global Patriot at Raytheon, stated: “Modernizing air and missile defense is vital to Spain’s security and sovereignty. Raytheon’s collaboration with the Spanish government and local industry will help ensure readiness against constantly evolving threats,” adding that the company will continue supporting the Spanish government in cooperation with its defense industry for the delivery of Patriot systems.
As part of the agreement, Raytheon maintains collaboration with Spanish defense companies, including Sener, which participates in the electromechanical control system of the GEM-T missile, integrated into the global supply chain of the Patriot program. This industrial cooperation aims to ensure local capabilities in maintenance and technical support.
The Patriot system is a mobile air defense system that uses guided missiles. It is designed to intercept tactical ballistic missiles, long-range cruise missiles, and other aerial threats. It currently forms the backbone of the air defense of 19 countries and has been used in multiple conflicts, where it has intercepted hundreds of advanced aerial threats.
The confirmation of this purchase follows several relevant precedents. In 2023, the U.S. government authorized the possible sale to Spain of four Patriot batteries and 51 PAC-3 MSE missiles, with an estimated value of US$2.8 billion, according to notifications from the State Department to the U.S. Congress. That request was processed through the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon as the main suppliers.
Likewise, in 2024, Spain participated alongside Germany, the Netherlands, and Romania in an agreement backed by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) for the joint purchase of 1,000 GEM-T missiles for Patriot systems. The contract was awarded to COMLOG, a joint venture between Raytheon and MBDA, under the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI).
In that context, NSPA Director General Stacy A. Cummings stated: “This contract demonstrates that NSPA, as the Alliance’s main enabler, can successfully deliver effective and cost-efficient multinational solutions to nations, while strengthening European industrial capabilities.”
Finally, the announcement of the new contract coincides with an increase in European demand for Patriot systems. During 2025, countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Romania also placed additional orders, in a context marked by the modernization of air defenses and the strengthening of Europe’s collective security architecture.
Images for illustrative purposes.
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