Raytheon's Patriot Air and Missile Defense System successfully test fired two Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. The mission consisted of two single firings against single tactical ballistic missile representative targets.

"Patriot's successful track record is testament to its continual testing and evolution," said Ralph Acaba, vice president for Integrated Air and Missile Defense at Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems business.

"Our customers have confidence in the Patriot systems they depend on to protect their nations from evolving threats. This test is just the latest of over 2,500 search track tests and more than 1,000 Patriot missiles that have been flight tested under real world combat and test conditions."

The test firing was part of the Field Surveillance Program (FSP) and, with potential international customers in attendance, is the second successful FSP mission in the span of 12 months.

Annual FSP firings are intended to demonstrate the viability and performance of existing fielded interceptors. Interceptors are selected at random for independent assessment of the globally fielded interceptor lot.

Raytheon assists its worldwide Patriot customer base in maintaining its operational readiness. Earlier this month, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force successfully completed a series of test firings at its Annual Service Practice at McGregor Range, N.M. In October, the Republic of Korea conducted a successful test of its Patriot system.