MBDA are part of the partnership developing the replacement for Patriot, Hawk and Nike Hercules using the PAC-3 MSE.
Extremely portable, air moveable, immediately ready for use on arrival.
I can defeat/manage an air threat. I have to step around an S300 or Patriot. Yes it needs a supply tail, so does everything else from Raptor to the infantry to the girls in the EFE.
I just find it strange that it's the first factor to consider when planning an offensive sortie, but isn't in our defensive mix.
Apart from the Bloodhound replacement does anyone know if we have ever seriously considered area defence in our doctrine - is it really too expensive to consider using in the FI with/instead of Rapier?
Google MEADS International