Raytheon to update the Netherlands' Patriot missile system

Raytheon has been selected by the Netherlands to upgrade its Patriot Integrated Air and Missile Defense system with the Modern Man Station user interface, the company announced Thursday.

The deal for an undisclosed amount and quantity will boost the country's missile defense capabilities, the company said in a statement.

The Netherlands announced at the end of 2015 that it would continue investing in Patriot.

Thirteen nations, including the United States, the Netherlands and three other NATO members, utilize Patriot, which defends against advanced threats such as aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones.

The Netherlands will continue to modernize Patriot through at least 2040, Raytheon said, and the incorporation of the Modern Man Station reflects that initiative.

The upgrade will make it easier to operate Patriot and provide enhanced situational awareness.

The Modern Man Station is the latest operator-machine interface upgrade to Patriot command and control shelters.

It is used to identify and display airborne objects, track potential threats and engage hostile targets.