Report: Israel to Buy Advanced Patriot Missiles

I wonder why?

I thought that they already field the Arrow SAM which is claimed to be similarly capable.

Report: Israel to Buy Advanced Patriot Missiles

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, JERUSALEM

DefenseNews

 

The Israeli air force will buy advanced U.S.-made missiles, capable of intercepting aircraft and long-range ballistic missiles, to upgrade its current air defense system, a report said on Thursday.

 

The Patriot PAC-3 missiles, which will replace the PAC-2 currently in use, is capable of intercepting missiles possessed by foe Syria, the Ynet news Web site said, citing unnamed sources.

 

There was no immediate comment from the defence ministry.

 

The PAC-3 missile is made to intercept ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft, according to the Web site of its manufacturer, Lockheed Martin.

 

The missile, weighing 320 kilograms (700 pounds), increases the firepower of the Patriot battery, as 16 of them fit on a Patriot launcher, compared with four PAC-2s, it said.

 

Israel first deployed the Patriot system in 1991, when then Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein fired Scuds on the country during the first Gulf War.