The Patriot missile is a surface-to-air missile system designed to intercept and destroy incoming threats, such as enemy aircraft and ballistic missiles. Developed by Raytheon, it is part of the larger Patriot Air and Missile Defense System, which includes radar and command and control components to track and engage targets effectively. First deployed in the 1980s, the Patriot missile gained prominence during the Gulf War, where it was used to defend against Scud missile attacks. The system has undergone several upgrades, enhancing its capabilities to address evolving threats and ensuring its relevance in modern military operations.