Sweden Joins the Patriot Club
In the light of increased tensions in the Baltic over Russia's stance, Sweden is bolstering its defenses, becoming the 16th Patriot customer in the process
The Patriot system has now been selected by seven European nations. Batteries have recently been deployed by U.S. Army and other NATO forces to Turkey to augment defenses during the Syrian crisis. (photo: U.S. European Command)
The Patriot system has now been selected by seven European nations. Batteries have recently been deployed by U.S. Army and other NATO forces to Turkey to augment defenses during the Syrian crisis. (photo: U.S. European Command)

On Friday August 10 the Swedish government signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance to formalize an agreement to buy the Raytheon Patriot missile system via a U.S. Army-contracted Foreign Military Sales program. Sweden announced the selection of the Patriot over the Eurosam SAMP/T last November as the nation seeks to enhance its defenses in the face of growing tension in Europe over Russia’s posture. Deliveries are due to begin in 2021, according to Sweden’s defense minister, Peter Hultqvist, bringing a missile-defense capability to the Swedish forces they have hitherto lacked.