Article Posted on : - Nov 18, 2009

The PAC-3 missile. Image credit: Lockheed Martin

NEW DELHI (BNS): The Indian Army has shown interest in buying the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile System from the US, according to a media report here.

Few days ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s official visit to the US, the Indian Army has requested America for “a briefing” on the missile defence system.

India could sign a multi-billion dollar arms deal with the US to acquire the Patriot missiles, Times Now news channel reported on Wednesday.

The briefings are likely to be made in early 2010 following which demonstrations would be given, the report said.

Patriot Advanced Capability-3 is a high/medium advanced surface-to-air guided missile air defence system. It uses an advanced aerial interceptor missile and high performance radar systems.

The PAC-3 Missile Segment upgrade consists of the PAC-3 missile, a very agile ‘hit-to-kill’ interceptor, the PAC-3 missile canisters (in four packs), a fire solution computer, and an Enhanced Launcher Electronics System (ELES).

The missile uses a solid propellant rocket motor, aerodynamic controls, attitude control motors and inertial guidance to navigate. The weapon flies to an intercept point specified prior to launch by its ground-based fire solution computer, which is embedded in the engagement control station.

Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force has also expressed desire to buy the US-built C-17 military transport aircraft and conveyed this to the Defence Ministry, the report said.

The C-17 is used for rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo to main operating bases or forward operating bases throughout the world. It is also capable of performing tactical airlift, medical evacuation and airdrop missions.