A Patriot missile is launched during a live-fire exercise near Fort Bliss, Texas, on Aug. 23, 2025. Spain recently signed a contract to buy four Patriot systems for $1.7 billion. (JaDarius Duncan/U.S. Army)
NATO ally Spain will buy four Patriot air missile defense systems under a $1.7 billion contract recently signed with U.S. manufacturer Raytheon, according to the company.
Announced last week, the deal comes on the heels of American calls for Spain and other members of the 32-country bloc to increase their defense spending to deter Russian aggression.
Spain is among the bloc’s lowest spenders in that area, NATO figures show. Earlier this year, it was the only country to reject U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand that allies increase their defense spending to 5% of their gross domestic product.
Trump has consistently singled out Spain, calling it a “laggard” on military spending and suggesting removal of the country from the alliance.
The new purchase marks the largest Patriot acquisition in Spain’s history and includes radars, launchers, command and control stations, and training equipment, a Raytheon statement Tuesday said.
“Modernizing air and missile defense is vital to Spain’s security and sovereignty,” Pete Bata, a top company executive, said in the statement. “Raytheon’s work with the Spanish government and local industry will help ensure readiness against evolving threats.”
The State Department approved the sale in October 2023, saying it would improve the security of a NATO ally and act as a stabilizing force in Europe.
The Patriot is the United States’ marquee ground-based missile defense system and has been deployed to countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
It has been a key weapon for Ukraine in its ongoing war against Russia and recently were used to defend Al-Udeid Air Base from Iranian missiles.
In 2024, Spain was also part of a group of NATO allies that agreed to buy up to 1,000 Patriot missiles.
With the new purchase, Spain joins Germany, the Netherlands and Romania among member countries that have placed orders for additional Patriot systems this year.
Spain already operates three Patriot batteries, including one in Turkey, according to the Madrid-based outlet InfoDefensa. The new systems are due to arrive in 2030, according to the publication.