The faults within the Hercules missile system identified a vital need for an interceptor capable of missile defense while maintaining a shield against high-performance aircraft. One system has proven itself above all others in the realm of anti-ballistic missile (ABM) and air breathing threat (ABT) defense; that system is the PATRIOT. Throughout the PATRIOT’s history, it has proven to be a serious heavyweight contender in the worldwide air defense community.
The concept of a medium- to high-altitude missile interceptor initially formed during the Cold War. The country needed a system that could engage missiles in-flight to counter the Soviet Short Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM) threat. In October 1964, the Secretary of Defense directed the formation of the Surface-to-Air Missile, Development (SAM-D) program to fulfill this need. Raytheon won the contract for the SAM-D program. They began development, focusing on functionality and unique features in the interceptor.
In 1969 the first product from the SAM-D program was successfully launched which extended Raytheon’s hold on the SAM-D contract. With the increased funding, Raytheon formed the engineering development division (EDD). The EDD is responsible for the expansion of system engineering methods in accordance with the threat and system requirements established by the Army Air Defense Evaluation Board. (Redstone Arsenal) The EDD finished the development program in 1974. A year later, the first test resulted in a successful aerial engagement.
On 21 May 1976 the SAM-D missile system was renamed the PATRIOT Air Missile Defense System. They chose the name “PATRIOT” to emphasize the air defense system’s role as a strong defender of American freedom and na...
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...history, the PATRIOT has been a true lifesaver. Through its many components and upgrades, it continues to be improved. One system has proven itself above all others in the realm of anti-ballistic missile (ABM) and air breathing threat (ABT) defense; that system is the PATRIOT.
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In Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Iraqi forces fired 93 Scud missiles at coalition forces in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. (Rostker) Air Defense Artillery (ADA) played an immensely significant role in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm with units from 11th Brigade Air Defense Artillery and the 32d Air Defense Command rapidly deploying into theater. The effectiveness of the units and their roles in fighting this war proved that Air Defense Artillery was critical to the success of the campaign. Although Patriot Batteries placed strategically throughout Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Israel played a tremendous tactical role in these wars, High-Medium Air Defense (HIMAD) was not the only type of surface to air missile system in place to protect ground forces and valuable military assets. Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) units also deployed with the air defense units. These weapon systems, integrated with ground forces, provided air defense to dominate against aircraft and Tactical Ballistic Missiles (TBM) on the front lines.
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...the advance into Iraq. Armed with the Multiple-Launch Rocket System, the Field Artillery men of this battalion provided accurate and devastating fire throughout the entire campaign. The rockets were so deadly; the Iraqi soldiers called them "steel rain." Today the Guard continues its vital peacekeeping effort in Southwest Asia.
Initially designed as an anti-aircraft system, Patriot became operational in 1985. (Patriot, 2013) Patriot fires a missile from its launching station to engage an aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle, cruise missile or a tactical ballistic missile. In 1991, Operation Desert Storm had kicked off and Patriot added missile-interception. Patriot anti-tactical ballistic missile capability phase 2 (PAC-2) had the first wartime engagement of a tactical rocket by an anti-tactical ballistic missile in history. Patriot upgraded to the PAC-3 missile that utilizes hit-to-kill technology making it over ninety percent success rate on engagements. Patriot is constantly undergoing improvements and remains one of the most sophisticated air defense technologies in the world today. (Kraus, 2000; Patriot,
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The purpose of the defense options is to find a means to destroy attacking ballistic missiles before they can reach any of their potential targets.
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There are many agencies that have the ability to perform Signals Intelligence, electronic reconnaissance and most of all signals intelligence from all available sources inducive to the environment. The United States Army uses the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) as its main entity for signals collection. The Joint STARS platform was designed to provide a highly effective, real-time, collection tool to the ground task force commanders during battlefield engagements, but for the past ten years, the sensor has been used for peacekeeping missions. Army analysts can predict the enemy’s behavior by identifying choke points, potential avenues of approach and operating patterns such as supply routes and logistical points. The analysis gives the ground commander a more complete view of the enemy’s weaknesses. The United States Air Force employs the Joint STARS in a different mission than the Army. The Air Force uses Joint STARS as a battlefield management tool versus a collection tool as used for by the Army. The Air Force uses the platform to provide immediate and direct support to the Air Component Commander and continue to observe the enemy’s movement from a far distance in the sky. Providing essential data to commanders such as size, direction, and speed of the adversaries, with minimum casualties while under battlefield conditions, makes the Joint STARS an extremely effective tool. The Air Force also employs the Predator vehicles, which are unmanned aerial vehicles that are used for reconnaissance.
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