Gulf legacy: revising the script after Patriot

The effectiveness of the Patriot antimissile system during the Persian Gulf War is examined, focusing on the conflicting nature of the evidence. The operation of the system is explained. Major improvements to the Patriot, as well as to several more advanced theater missile defense projects, which are being planned to overcome problems confirmed during the war and others that are as yet only anticipated, are described. The future of the Patriot and of the Thaad (theater high altitude area defense) missile, being developed to operate at altitudes exceeding 100 km, to cover larger areas, and to intercept highly dangerous missiles farther out, is discussed.<>