Article Posted on : - Feb 05, 2010

A File Photo of US Patriot missile.

TEWKSBURY, US (BNS): The US Army has awarded a $58.2 million contract to Raytheon to upgrade Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile -Tactical (GEM-T) in its arsenal.

Under the contract, Raytheon will upgrade a total of 124 GEM-T missiles – an advanced version of Patriot Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2) surface-to-air missiles – used by the American Army.

The improvisation will enhance the weapon’s performance against tactical ballistic and cruise missiles. In addition, select components will be replaced to extend the reliability and service life of the missiles, Raytheon said.

Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical (GEM-T) is an improved variant of PAC-2 missile. It is fitted with a new fuse and a new low noise oscillator that increases the seeker's sensitivity to low radar cross-section targets.

When fielded along with the PAC-3 missile system, the GEM-T provides high precision guidance and lethality against a range of ballistic and non-ballistic targets including aircraft, remote piloted vehicles and cruise missiles.

The US Army has been using the GEM-T missile system since 2006.