The U.S. Department of State has approved the possible sale of two Patriot missile launching stations and related equipment to the Netherlands valued at an estimated $224 million.
The request includes the acquisition of equipment and services to upgrade existing M901 LS to the M903 LS configuration, plus nonmajor defense equipment such as Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missile segment enhancement launcher conversion kits; Patriot automated logistics system kits; and engineering, technical, logistics and fielding support services.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which notified Congress of the approval on Thursday, noted that the proposed sale would enhance the Dutch missile defense capability for homeland security, deterring regional threats and supporting alliances. It said the Netherlands’ armed forces can readily absorb the equipment, which will be supplied by principal contractors Lockheed Martin and RTX.
In a 2022 defense white paper, the Dutch government highlighted plans to strengthen its long-range missile strike capabilities. Among its most recent acquisitions was a $5.5 billion order for 1,000 Patriot air defense missiles under a European coalition with Germany, Spain and Romania. In July, it formalized an agreement to procure Lockheed Martin’s Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range for the Dutch military forces.