The US Army's Patriot missile defense system provides 24-hour air defense capability for the United States and its partner nations in the Middle East.

Deployed across several countries in the region, the MIM-104 Patriot system exemplifies the importance of maintaining combat readiness to ensure peace and stability amid mounting geopolitical tensions.

The system is used by the US Army and 19 nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain, among others.

By deploying the Patriot, these nations enhance their own defensive capabilities while contributing to a collective regional security network under the framework of US-led coalition efforts.

Initially designed as an antiaircraft system, the latest versions of the Patriot can engage ballistic and cruise missiles, munitions and aircraft.

It can detect, track and engage unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles and short-range or tactical ballistic missiles.

Advanced air defense

Considered one of the most advanced air defense systems in the US arsenal, the Patriot can independently search for and engage targets using what is commonly called the "detect to kill" system.

Its missiles are designed to explode near incoming missiles to disrupt their flight, with the system using a two-shot method meant to guarantee destruction of the target.

The system consists of six major components: a missile, launcher, radar set, control station, power generator unit and high-frequency antenna mast, and uses an advanced aerial interceptor missile and high-performance radar systems.

There are usually about 90 soldiers assigned to a Patriot battery, but three soldiers in the engagement control station are the only personnel required to operate the battery in combat.

The unit includes air defense officers, radar operators, missile launch specialists and system maintenance technicians.

They are complemented by logistics personnel and intelligence analysts, who keep the system functional and strategically positioned.

This level of coordination underscores the coalition's commitment to combat readiness, a critical element in addressing the unpredictable nature of regional threats.

Recent success in Iraq

US forces stationed in Iraq have recently demonstrated the Patriot system's effectiveness in countering hostile actions.

An Iranian attack on April 13 with roughly 300 missiles, rockets and drones revealed that a US Patriot system had been deployed to Erbil, Iraq, when it took down a missile.

The Patriot has also been key to defending Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq from Iran-backed militias.

In January, the system played a major role in defending the base from at least 30 munitions, including large rockets, the Stars and Stripes reported.

More than 15 Patriot missiles were launched to defend the base, intercepting the threats deemed most likely to hit Ain al-Asad.