SkyCeptor (PAAC-4)
See also:
David's Sling
In August 2013, Raytheon and
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced plans for Patriot Advanced Affordable Capability-4 (PAAC-4), which would integrate the Stunner interceptor from the jointly-funded
David's Sling program with Patriot PAC-3 radars, launchers, and engagement control stations. The two-stage, multimode seeking Stunner would replace single-stage, radar-guided PAC-3 missiles produced by
Lockheed Martin, providing improved operational performance at 20 percent of the $2 million unit cost of PAC-3 missiles.
[57] Israeli program officials have said that a previous teaming agreement between Raytheon and Rafael would allow the U.S. company to assume prime contractor status, and produce at least 60 percent of the Stunner missile in the United States.
[57]
In 2016 Raytheon announced that it had been authorized to bid SkyCeptor, a Stunner derivative, as part of its Polish Patriot bid.
[58] In March 2017 it was announced that Poland will acquire 8 Patriot batteries, with the majority of missiles deployed being SkyCeptors and only a small number of Patriot PAC-3 MSE missiles.
[59] Ultimately, Poland did not procure SkyCeptor missiles,
[60] ordering a new short-range air defence system based on
CAMM and CAMM-ER missiles, integrated with Patriot batteries through the
IBCS battle command system.
Electromecanica Ploiești,
Romania, will start local production of SkyCeptor missile interceptors by 2026.
[61]